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

The prior 22 World Cups did not have a halftime show, mostly because match intermissions are short. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 19 July 2026

These prelude performances are short, without intermission and showcase selected pieces from musical masterworks. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

The score was knotted 1-1 at halftime Saturday after a blistering shot by winger Andreas Schjerlderup gave Norway the lead and then Bellingham got his team and its fans back into the game with the equalizer just before intermission. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

The Fever, who shot 59% (22 of 37) from the field, made 7 of 13 (54%) from 3-point range, and hit 8 of 8 from the free-throw line, took a 59-48 lead at the intermission — tied for Indiana's highest-scoring first half this season. — ABC News, 12 July 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