intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən 

1

: an interval between the parts of an entertainment (such as the acts of a play)

2

: the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted

intermissionless adjective

Synonyms of intermission

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• pause
• interlude

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission.

an awkward intermission between speeches

Recent Examples on the Web

Cullop was disappointed in the team’s lack of hustle, especially in the first half, and challenged them during intermission to pick up their energy and play with more pride. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025

Crews had 12 and Mizzou led 52-39 at intermission. —The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025

Buddy Hield and Post each hit a 3-pointer in the first 90 seconds and Golden State led by as many as 16 before taking a 60-46 advantage into the intermission. —CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

But the Devils pushed back again by the end of the period and the B’s had to hang on just to get it to the second intermission with their very slim one-goal lead. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intermyssyown, from Latin intermission-, intermissio, from intermittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for intermission

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən 

1

: pause entry 1 sense 1, interruption

work without intermission

2

: a pause or interval between the parts of an entertainment (as the acts of a play)

Medical Definition

intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən 

: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission