as in break
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
The weekend provided a nice respite from the pressures of her job. a temporary respite
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of respite
This lake makes a refreshing respite after exploring city life for a bit.
—
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Laura also requested respite care for nighttime tube feeds, but the warrant says a doctor told her those would be discontinued because her son was taking medication by mouth without issue.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
With a slew of experts, beautiful shots and some very cute kids, This Is a Gardening Show is a surprising respite from the hamster wheel of day-to-day life and offers a slice of hope to viewers.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
But Amazon shoppers and InStyle testers with mature skin have found respite in Dermablend’s Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50+, a multitasking makeup solution that’s currently discounted.
—Erika Reals, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Laura also requested respite care for nighttime tube feeds, but the warrant says a doctor told her those would be discontinued because her son was taking medication by mouth without issue.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
With a slew of experts, beautiful shots and some very cute kids, This Is a Gardening Show is a surprising respite from the hamster wheel of day-to-day life and offers a slice of hope to viewers.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
But Amazon shoppers and InStyle testers with mature skin have found respite in Dermablend’s Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50+, a multitasking makeup solution that’s currently discounted.
—Erika Reals, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite
Noun
-
Yet the break has offered F1’s various stakeholders the chance to weigh up what may need changing outside the demands of a grand prix weekend.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After a pause earlier this month to make way for the WGA talks, negotiation are set to pick up with the Sean Astin-run SAG-AFTRA in June, if not sooner.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Instead of plowing ahead with the current design, perhaps a pause is warranted.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even with the recent lull in ticket sales from Chinese releases, studios aren’t deterred from launching titles in the region.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2026
-
After staring down 30, experiencing a career lull, and contemplating quitting music altogether, the singer staked her future in the industry on the fate of her fourth record.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.—
Brianna Peters,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.—
Marisa McMillan,
Outside,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respite. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
