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 He’s partnered with past mirrorball trophy winner Sharna Burgess, who returns to the long-running show after a five-year hiatus. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 Sophia Laforteza was notably missing after announcing a hiatus from Katseye in August. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026 This is a nice comeback for the popular video game franchise after a 13-year hiatus, signaling high anticipation for the new offering. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Who cares who is on the bill at Daisy Chain Fields next year, if heat stroke is taking a hiatus? — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 31 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
  • Hydrolyzed keratin, meanwhile, fills in the gaps in the cuticle by improving elasticity and damage caused by daily styling, heat, and environmental stressors.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Closing a gap in naval defenses The growing use of inexpensive drones has created a significant challenge for naval forces.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of gap
Noun
  • Rothfeld is right that Cusk’s project of dismantling personhood can leave us with a void that is actually personhood radicalized, and thus anything but insightful or liberating.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The Hurricanes have some younger players who could also step up to fill the void left by Frederique.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of void
Noun
  • The state legislature does not plan to reconvene before the end of the year, making the timing of the resignation largely a matter of political transition rather than an interruption of legislative business.
    — Jeff Gurney, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The game continued without interruption, with Sacramento State beating Mississippi Valley State 52-0 before 18,523 fans, the largest crowd for a Hornet Stadium home opener and fifth-largest in the program’s 73-year history.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Graham birdied the last two holes to earn a precious halve against 17-year-old Miles Russell.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Cash transfers, fund swaps, delayed pension contributions and one-time revenues can make the budget look balanced while the ACFR still shows a hole.
    — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Athena logged peak penetration rates exceeding 350 feet per hour and sustained over 130 feet per hour through long intervals.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That posting also got questions about the 40-month intervals, as well as blowback for the reminder of the passage of time.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • But when evaluating this team, certain positions give you pause.
    — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Virgo August 23 – September 22 Your body may be asking for a pause while your schedule keeps making demands.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hiatus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hiatus

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