What does "break the ice" mean?

To start to get to know people to avoid social awkwardness and formality.

What is a synonym for "break the ice"?

Common synonyms include: approach, blaze the trail, break, break ground, clear the way, court.

Pronounced //ˈbɹeɪk ði ˈaɪs//.

/ˈbɹeɪk ði ˈaɪs/ verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Verb

1
To start to get to know people to avoid social awkwardness and formality. idiomatic
"Including a few fun details in large group introductions can be a great way to break the ice."
2
To introduce a conversation. idiomatic
"If it be so ſir, that you are the man Muſt ſteed us all, and me amongſt the reſt: And if you breake the ice and do this ſeeke, Atchieve the elder: ſet the yonger free, For our acceſſe, whose hap ſhall be to have her, will not so graceleſſe be, to be ingrate."
3
To surmount initial difficulties; to overcome obstacles and make a beginning. idiomatic
4
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see break, the, ice.

"Including a few fun details in large group introductions can be a great way to break the ice."

By application of the metaphor that strangers are socially separated by ice.