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 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 Take a breather by the beach, where days are made for lingering on golden sands, discovering hidden coves, and relaxing to the tune of the rolling Mediterranean tide. — Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breather
  1. pause
  2. lull
  3. breath
  4. break
Noun
  • Prior to the pause, Verizon had told the FCC that the old-school copper networks will remain in place for areas where its replacement solution falls short of Commission standards.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But, in a moment where the AI industry is filled with existential anxiety, and even its leaders are calling for brakes, Haugen isn’t advocating for a pause in AI development.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • Toliver saw that lull less as a crisis than as an opportunity.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Crimson Tide quieted concerns about slow starts and recovered from a third-quarter lull.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of lull
Noun
  • At various town hall events, Sand has cited biblical passages that can be interpreted as saying that life begins at breath instead of conception.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Rooms The sheer architectural ingenuity and stature of the main building will take your breath away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of breath
Noun
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Sandy Powell, who is in the film, became a celebrated costume designer, and one of her first breaks was through Derek’s films.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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