hiatus

noun

hī-ˈā-təs How to pronounce hiatus (audio)
Definition of hiatusnext
1
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) steam was rising from a hiatus in the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in void
an incomplete or deficient area a hiatus in the law which prevented the district attorney from prosecuting the offenders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in interruption
a break in continuity a three-year hiatus before the fifth book in the series appeared

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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 hiatus The latter came off a 17-year hiatus since losing to Cyborg in Strikeforce to headline the first MMA card on Netflix against Rousey. — Leocciano Callao, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 After a brief hiatus, Kim Kardashian’s hair chameleon era is back. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 July 2026 The long-running panel show, which went on hiatus in 2022 after two decades at the BBC, was revived for the network earlier this year and has already broadcast Season 1 plus a summer special (Season 2 is set to air on Sept 13). — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 22 July 2026 Miami won four consecutive MLS games before the World Cup break, but allowed nine goals during that stretch, including four in a wild 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the final game before the hiatus. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiatus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiatus
  1. gap
  2. void
  3. interruption
  4. hole
  5. interval
  6. pause
Noun
  • But, in the background, cost of living woes were worsening for others, and the wealth gap was widening.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Robot tracks victims, retrieves The system is aimed at a critical gap in maritime search and rescue.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
Definition of gap
Noun
  • With a void in leadership and production, the Horned Frogs will need someone to step up quickly.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • The Seminoles seemingly didn’t have the funding to be aggressive in the transfer portal and signed Daniels to fill the void at quarterback.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of void
Noun
  • The robot immediately responds to the interruption and halts the operation, illustrating Unitree’s focus on continuous human-robot interaction and dynamic task adaptation.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • The money sits in the business interruption and the extra expense, the long dead stretch while a specialised transformer or a particular chip waits on an 18-month backorder.
    — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Jerry Kelly birdied the 72nd hole Sunday (despite hitting the ball in a greenside bunker) to account for a 2-shot margin of victory over Gogel, Darren Fichardt and Cameon Perry.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays suddenly have another hole to fill in the outfield, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, the front office is exploring every possible avenue to reinforce its roster.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • The four-hour production (which includes a 20 minute interval) is set just before the events in Martin’s novels and will follow the great houses of Westeros as ambition, family bonds and succession collide during the reign of the Mad King.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • Save intervals, heavy lifts and hard runs for earlier in the evening or the next morning.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • Both contracts tumbled on Monday, posting their largest declines in several weeks, after an apparent pause in strikes between the US and Iran.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Markets have broadly responded positively to the pause, with stocks rallying and oil prices falling on Monday, with sentiment buoyed by the potential for a lasting peace agreement.
    — Mike Sheen, CNBC, 28 July 2026
Definition of pause

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heydays
hiatus
hiatuses
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Cite this Entry

“Hiatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiatus. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hiatus

Nglish: Translation of hiatus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hiatus

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