plural respites
: a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant or when something difficult or unpleasant stops or is delayed
—usually singular
The weekend provided a nice respite from the pressures of her job.
a temporary respite
The bad weather has continued without respite.
Cite this Entry
“Respite.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/respite. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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