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
Relevance
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
Between July 2-16 the Red Sox will not play any games at Fenway, first going on the road for nine games before taking a breather for the All-Star break.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
As the story follows Edwards' escapades in Frankfurt, Geneva, Vienna, Budapest and Munich, Kitsch gives Pratt a partial breather.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
The hall tree is perfect for stashing shoes and storage baskets, hanging up coats and backpacks, and even taking a breather to sit down after coming through the door.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025
Known as breather or bleed holes, these tiny holes help with cabin pressurization and keep the windows clear.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breather
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
As the story follows Edwards' escapades in Frankfurt, Geneva, Vienna, Budapest and Munich, Kitsch gives Pratt a partial breather.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
The hall tree is perfect for stashing shoes and storage baskets, hanging up coats and backpacks, and even taking a breather to sit down after coming through the door.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025
Known as breather or bleed holes, these tiny holes help with cabin pressurization and keep the windows clear.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breather
Noun
-
The pause will last three years and could save restaurants $850 in fees annually while potentially boosting their sales.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
15 Sep. 2025
-
People hear your tone, your pauses, your personality.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The lull during the 2024 season was attributed in part to a jet of winds over Africa that were pushing northward and not following the typical track off the coast, Kelly Núñez Ocasio, assistant professor in the atmospheric sciences department at Texas A&M University, previously told USA TODAY.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
-
During the rare lull in service, McPherson watches over this scene from the bar, catching up with longtime customers and friends from the neighborhood.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Derek commented that the dance was beautiful to watch and called her a breath of fresh air.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Formulated without alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, the TheraBreath Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse uses glucose oxidase and enzymes called papain to help break up stains and kill bad-breath-causing bacteria—all without aggravating sensitive teeth and gums.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
So while cells in a younger person (that were continuously exposed to estrogen prior to HRT) might benefit from a fresh influx of estrogen, ones that had a break from that estrogen bath might react negatively to it.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Midday daylight breaks help sustain energy, while dim, warmer light in the evening primes the mind for recovery.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breather. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share