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

But Panganiban and Martinez triggered an 11-2 run to intermission with back-to-back threes. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

The score didn’t get much closer than that the rest of the way, even with OSU outscoring KU 40-38 after the intermission. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026

Grapevine trailed 12-3 to start the second quarter, but chipped away at the lead until CT’s Jayci Butler (12 points) hit a long three at the buzzer to give the Rangers a 19-13 lead at the intermission. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026

During intermission, video screens played a series of outtakes featuring Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026

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