as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
our weekend plans were held in abeyance until we could get a weather forecast
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Recent Examples of abeyance
The jail term was held in abeyance, pending a review hearing in 60 days, according to court records.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
The ethics inquiry board deliberated on the motion to dismiss and held the motion in abeyance pending the complainant’s witnesses testifying.
—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Carroll requested during Wednesday’s meeting that the board either reject the charges or hold them in abeyance until the litigation between The Trap and the city is resolved.
—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
14 Aug. 2025
That threat was only held in abeyance by his signature; the commission needed to ratify it to fully spike the governor’s guns.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abeyance
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
The ethics inquiry board deliberated on the motion to dismiss and held the motion in abeyance pending the complainant’s witnesses testifying.
—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Carroll requested during Wednesday’s meeting that the board either reject the charges or hold them in abeyance until the litigation between The Trap and the city is resolved.
—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
14 Aug. 2025
That threat was only held in abeyance by his signature; the commission needed to ratify it to fully spike the governor’s guns.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abeyance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abeyance
Noun
-
His lineup on Thursday, which consisted of eight players making their first World Cup starts, showed off the depth of his team as key players like Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson were able to rest and avoid possible suspension for the game against the Zmajevi.
-
District 219, in a statement to the Tribune, said it was made aware of the criminal complaint on Thursday and confirmed that the employee under investigation has been placed on suspension.
Noun
-
As a result, moments of action, suspense, and cinematic spectacle found their way into the film.
-
The tale begins in high suspense, with 53-year-old Daphne and her husband, Jonathan, seemingly being stalked while visiting New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Cite this Entry
“Abeyance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abeyance. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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