breather

noun

ˈbrē-t͟hər How to pronounce breather (audio)
Definition of breathernext
as in pause
a momentary halt in an activity took a breather from the seemingly endless task of sorting through years of stuff stored in the attic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 breather This is a welcome convenience on hot days or for people with back or leg issues that may need the occasional breather. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2026 The indie studio defied convention by taking the project out in August, usually considered a dead period with many executives on vacation as the TV business takes a breather before an expected post-Labor Day influx of pitches. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026 The Patriots’ sports performance team, led by Frank Piraino, combs through the GPS numbers to determine who may need a breather. — Chad Graff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Take a breather now — things will get a bit chaotic in October. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breather
  1. pause
  2. lull
  3. breath
  4. break
Noun
  • While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • Still, multiple lobbyists tell me that a flurry of regulator activity has prompted an increase in advocacy for some despite a year that has been otherwise marked by a lull in major legislative activity ahead of the election.
    — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The upshot of this is that George, who works the room in a sharp gray suit, a few tattoos peeking out, has plenty of opportunities to charismatically make things right, shaking hands and clasping shoulders and sending over lull-filling drinks.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of lull
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Perry and Robert are figuring the logistics of end-of-life care in real time straight through to their charge’s final breath.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Doctors detected abnormal breath sounds, and a scan revealed a round blotch in his right lung—a sign of blood, pus, fluid or tissue—but tests for common pathogens came back negative.
    — Rachel Melegrito, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of breath
Noun
  • The league has agreed to an extended All-Star break to accommodate the Olympics, but MLB also could tire of waiting for the union to agree with LA28, which badly wants MLB players to participate.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of break

Browse Nearby Words

breathe (out)
breather
breathers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breather. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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