abeyance

noun

ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s How to pronounce abeyance (audio)
Definition of abeyancenext
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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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 abeyance Cogan’s melodies often hang in abeyance and rarely fully resolve. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for abeyance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abeyance
  1. suspension
  2. suspense
Noun
  • The suspension is not absolute and there’s room for exceptions when executing a criminal warrant or working with partner agencies, according to a person who spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive law enforcement operations.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 July 2026
  • The move puts a one-year suspension on construction of large-scale facilities in the state and is the first of its kind in the US, which is seeing a rapid AI infrastructure buildout to meet relentless demand for compute.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • In film scores, its low tones helped create suspense, grandeur, danger, or emotional weight.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026
  • The suspense heading into July has centered on whether the semis could cool off and reset without a messy liquidation that destabilized the rest of the tape.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of suspense

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Cite this Entry

“Abeyance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abeyance. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of abeyance for Spanish Speakers

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