Synonyms of cease

cease 1 of 2

verb

ˈsēs 

1

as in to stop

to come to an end

the rain finally ceased, and we were able to continue the baseball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stop
• expire
• end
• halt
• conclude
• terminate
• discontinue
• die
• pass
• go
• finish
• close
• determine
• elapse
• quit
• lapse
• wind up
• leave off
• let up
• break off
• stall
• wink (out)
• break up
• bite the dust
• refrain (from)
• dead-end
• suspend
• desist (from)
• pause
• lay off (of)
• pack (up or in)
• stay
• abate
• cut out
• give over
• break down
• knock off
• wind down
• peter (out)
• conk (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• persist
• hang on
• extend
• prolong
• draw out
• protract

2

as in to halt

to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end

cease chattering and get down to work, please

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stop
• halt
• end
• quit
• discontinue
• suspend
• delay
• can
• conclude
• drop
• cut off
• shut off
• lay off
• desist (from)
• cut out
• finish
• pack (up or in)
• break
• leave off
• have done with
• break off
• give over
• break up
• complete
• check
• knock off
• impede
• put the kibosh on
• hinder
• obstruct
• pause
• suppress
• deactivate
• ruin
• close (down)
• block
• detain
• abort
• hold
• abolish
• dissolve
• stay
• destroy
• stem
• hold back
• call
• blockade
• arrest
• dam
• kill
• brake
• turn back
• scuttle
• annul
• squelch
• demolish
• stanch
• stamp
• rein (in)
• clamp down
• stunt
• squash
• kibosh
• snuff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• proceed
• carry on
• run on
• keep up
• advance
• progress
• follow through (with)
• stir
• drive
• propel
• actuate
• impel

cease

2 of 2

noun

as in cessation

the stopping of a process or activity

worked without cease for the betterment of humanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cessation
• halt
• ending
• end
• stop
• close
• conclusion
• closure
• termination
• discontinuance
• shutdown
• stay
• arrest
• discontinuation
• finish
• stoppage
• expiration
• offset
• lapse
• surcease
• shutoff
• cutoff
• closedown
• pause
• arrestment
• check
• suspension
• interruption
• standstill
• abeyance
• moratorium
• phaseout
• break
• mop-up
• layoff
• letup

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• extension
• persistence
• prolongation

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cease distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of cease are desist, discontinue, quit, and stop. While all these words mean "to suspend or cause to suspend activity," cease applies to states, conditions, or existence and may add a suggestion of gradualness and a degree of finality.

by nightfall the fighting had ceased

When can desist be used instead of cease?

The words desist and cease can be used in similar contexts, but desist implies forbearance or restraint as a motive for stopping or ceasing.

desisted from further efforts to persuade them

In what contexts can discontinue take the place of cease?

The synonyms discontinue and cease are sometimes interchangeable, but discontinue applies to the stopping of an accustomed activity or practice.

we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

When is it sensible to use quit instead of cease?

While in some cases nearly identical to cease, quit may stress either finality or abruptness in stopping or ceasing.

the engine faltered, sputtered, then quit altogether

When would stop be a good substitute for cease?

In some situations, the words stop and cease are roughly equivalent. However, stop applies to action or progress or to what is operating or progressing and may imply suddenness or definiteness.

stopped at the red light

How is the word cease distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of cease are desist, discontinue, quit, and stop. While all these words mean "to suspend or cause to suspend activity," cease applies to states, conditions, or existence and may add a suggestion of gradualness and a degree of finality.

by nightfall the fighting had ceased

When can desist be used instead of cease?

The words desist and cease can be used in similar contexts, but desist implies forbearance or restraint as a motive for stopping or ceasing.

desisted from further efforts to persuade them

In what contexts can discontinue take the place of cease?

The synonyms discontinue and cease are sometimes interchangeable, but discontinue applies to the stopping of an accustomed activity or practice.

we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

When is it sensible to use quit instead of cease?

While in some cases nearly identical to cease, quit may stress either finality or abruptness in stopping or ceasing.

the engine faltered, sputtered, then quit altogether

When would stop be a good substitute for cease?

In some situations, the words stop and cease are roughly equivalent. However, stop applies to action or progress or to what is operating or progressing and may imply suddenness or definiteness.

stopped at the red light

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cease

Verb

Swalwell’s attorneys filed a cease-and-desist letter with Patel and the FBI. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

As a result of their internal decision-making, the Archdiocese elected to cease using Catapult Learning Services, Chicago Home Tutor, and United Stand for classroom instruction. —Megan De Mar, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

Noun

The artist born Tahliah Barnett claims that the duo issued multiple cease-and-desist letters over the trademark connected to her stage name. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026

So far, most of the state-level legal skirmishes centered on Kalshi’s event contracts have involved cease-and-desist letters, seeking preliminary injunctions, and civil enforcement. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026