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

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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 His wish came true on May 4, 2026, when, after a more than eight-year hiatus, Cabo Verde Airlines officially resumed its direct flight between Providence, Rhode Island and Praia, Cape Verde. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The actor was a series regular playing Chief Dom Pascal and went on hiatus in the second half of Season 14. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 For a few weeks, Pompano may be quieter than usual, as city leaders take the customary August hiatus. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 The news of Mulroney’s exit comes after the actor previously took a hiatus from the series during its 14th season. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 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
  • The exchange came as the county office projects the district will need to close a $150 million gap by June 2027 to avoid a state takeover.
    — Chaewon Chung Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Managers who are not developing become the ceiling for every person under them, and the accumulation of underdeveloped management ceilings is what an 80% pipeline-confidence gap looks like from the inside.
    — Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of gap
Noun
  • As the film slowly came together for its October release, Universal was hit by production delays in its summer slate and turned to Wellington to fill the void.
    — Geoffrey Bunting, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Association of American Medical Colleges projects shortages of 37,800 to 124,000 doctors by 2034, but the real story is who ends up without a doctor — and where capital is rushing in to fill the void.
    — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of void
Noun
  • Investigators later learned that a power interruption occurred at Aikebaer's home shortly before the attack, the sheriff's department said.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The LateNighter web site previously reported the new interruption.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • The Airbnb is also equipped with a hot tub, a nine-hole disc golf course, and lots of board games, so there’s always something to do.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over cake, about 1-inch apart.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Weeks 4 through 6 drop the rest intervals and build to a continuous 20-, 25- and then 30-minute walk.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The latest season represented about 94% of viewing this interval.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • The pause, which began July 23, was intended to give negotiations another chance, but progress on talks has not materialized.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
  • After a nine-month pause, Houthi militants in Yemen allied to Iran resumed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea on July 22, 2026, directly targeting the group’s longtime foe Saudi Arabia.
    — Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 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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