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

Calgary took the lead three times before Vegas answered with the equalizer each time, with the game tied at 3 entering the second intermission. —ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026

This seems like a good time to bring up Pineda’s concerns, beginning with his opposition to an intermission. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2026

The Blue Devils led the half nearly wire-to-wire and enjoyed a 39-31 advantage at the intermission. —Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026

His triple with 32 seconds left before intermission capped a 15-7 Eagles run for a 37-27 lead at the break. —Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 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