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 After a two-year hiatus, RHONJ will return for its 15th season, starring housewives Gorga, Teresa Giudice and Dolores Catania. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 The Houthi attacks could reignite Yemen's civil war after a four-year hiatus following a 2022 truce, and open a new front in the Middle East war. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 The return of the enforcers The 49ers brought back receiver Deebo Samuel after his one-year hiatus with the Washington Commanders. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 An exact premiere date hasn't been confirmed, though Season 2 and Season 3 both began in June after a nearly two-year hiatus, and Season 4 looks to be on track to follow that timeline again. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 10 Aug. 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 gaps are especially consequential in Nizi, one of the most affected health zones in Ituri province, which accounts for about 90% of Congo’s Ebola cases and 80% of its deaths.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Fernandes has never been finished, but there’s a size gap here and Turner is dangerous offensively.
    — Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of gap
Noun
  • Following Reagan’s death, the local community and her young family are navigating a void that had been filled with her love and dedication.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The state is reluctant to fill the void left by federal funding after a series of bankruptcies and cancellations left only one truck maker and one bus maker selling hydrogen vehicles in North America.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of void
Noun
  • Up to $20,000 travel cancellation and interruption insurance per trip and primary rental car insurance.
    — CNBC Select, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Even routine chores, cooking, folding laundry, become the engagement itself rather than an interruption to it.
    — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Place them behind the refrigerator and stove, under kitchen and bathroom sinks near pipe entry holes, and in the back corners of pantry shelves.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
  • While the district took a series of cost-cutting steps — including freezing spending on supplies, hiring and most new contracts, as well as laying off employees — successive budget updates showed the financial hole continuing to deepen.
    — Chaewon Chung August 16, Sacbee.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Ebadot dismissed Alex Carey (19) after lunch and Taskin bowled Webster (12) before Cummins (9) and Starc (1) both nicked off to Hasan before the tea interval.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Your workplace strategy should evolve as your business evolves, and leaders can live up to the value of intention by evaluating time-in-office based on business needs at an interval that makes sense for your business.
    — Kane Willmott, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • This is lunch à la Provençale; expect a multi-course meal with pauses between courses (no, the service isn't slow).
    — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, the governor has issued a variety of directives on data centers since June, including a pause on data center development and lawmakers in Texas are reacting.
    — Jack Fink, CBS News, 18 Aug. 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 21 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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