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

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 The residency will return following a brief hiatus on July 9, with additional dates set for July 10, 11, 14, 16 and 17. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026 After a 19-year hiatus, Aeromexico is returning to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in January with daily nonstop flights to Mexico City. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 The 2026 nominations also mark the return of the Gotham Audience Award after a six-year hiatus. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 There was interest in the ’70s, then again in the late ’80s, and then there was a hiatus. — Rachel Cohen Booth, Vox, 23 Oct. 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
  • Brands says capitalism surged ahead of democracy in the late 19th century, creating moguls such as Morgan and Carnegie, along with a huge wealth gap.
    — Frank Langfitt, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But 21 years after Oviedo, a staggering gap lies between expectations for the technology and its operational reality.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of gap
Noun
  • For fertility entrepreneurs, though, this void left a business opportunity.
    — Megan Molteni, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But the seeming void contains a barely perceptible fog of hydrogen and other neutral atoms.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of void
Noun
  • An interruption can feel urgent simply because someone else is waiting for your answer.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Trip cancellation, interruption and delay coverage One of the most basic coverages of travel insurance is trip cancellation, which reimburses you for certain expenses if something prevents you from taking all or some of a trip.
    — Aly J Yale, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Of course, The Château and Woodlands courses offer 18 holes across the rolling hills this region of Georgia is known for.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Defensive holes After the Hurricanes stopped the Tar Heels on their first offensive drive, UNC offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino did a good job of finding holes in the UM defense.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • Pulse for a few seconds in intervals until the ingredients are pulverized into a smooth paste.
    — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The check-in and action interval will vary by decision; the point is to check progress early.
    — Maureen Metcalf, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hiatus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hiatus

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