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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Production went on hiatus in light of the incident after filming four episodes. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026 Young launched her solo career in 2016 while Girls’ Generation remained on hiatus following members’ individual pursuits, releasing her debut EP I Just Wanna Dance. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 In October 2024 in Brooklyn, the VS show returned after a prolonged hiatus. — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 16 July 2026 Fox recently returned to Instagram after a months-long hiatus, sharing photos of herself in various lingerie looks. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 16 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
  • Inspectors also pointed to a large gap along the bottom of the bakery’s street-side double doors that could allow more insects or rodents to get inside.
    — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • But both of these increase the gap between the solar clock and the body’s internal clock, which has been linked to poor health outcomes.
    — Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 17 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
  • The Louisiana State University alum came into the round ahead by two strokes but quickly lost it and went birdie-free for the final 12 holes.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Below it, there’s a wide concave base with a drainage hole that’s ideal for faux flowers, real flowers, or decorative rocks.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Remember that intensity is relative, so adjust your pace, resistance, and rest intervals as needed.
    — Jenessa Connor, Health, 17 July 2026
  • The equalising goal came in first-half stoppage time, with Norway coach Stale Solbakken visibly annoyed with referee Clement Turpin at the half-time interval.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • Long way to go Reportedly, ZeroAvia faced financial constraints that forced a recent workforce reduction and the pause of its in-house electric propulsion and ZA600 powertrain developments.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
  • That order could keep the merger on pause indefinitely while the litigation moves forward, which means it could be paused for years, unless an appeals court overrules her.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of pause

Browse Nearby Words

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 24 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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