hiccup

noun

ˈhi-(ˌ)kəp How to pronounce hiccup (audio)
variants also hiccough
Definition of hiccupnext
as in interruption
a break in continuity the business has grown steadily for 14 years, with only a few minor hiccups

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hiccup Previously, Denno has said that the firing squad is the most humane and effective means of execution, with relatively few hiccups throughout American history. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The career included its hiccups, a not-yet-ready-for-primetime quarterback thrust into a starting role as a freshman, an on-campus protest in which the football team was lodged and, well, not as many wins as anyone involved would have liked. — Sam McDowell 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026 Sallitt depicts Jackie’s personal and professional struggles as specific hiccups that might manifest for anybody. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026 That minor viral hiccup passed easily because of Freeman’s apologies and Williams owning up to his mistake. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiccup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiccup
  1. interruption
  2. interval
  3. hiatus
  4. pause
  5. gap
Noun
  • Cheaper lift passes, shorter queues and fewer interruptions on the slopes also sweeten the deal, without compromising on skiing quality.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Still, questions have persisted about who ordered the interruptions to the satellite internet system that Kyiv has relied on for years to counter Moscow's attacks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of interruption
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
  • Gillies has worked steadily since Silverchair’s hiatus, including the side project Tambalane with Wes Carr, his band Bento, whose debut Diamond Days arrived in 2012, and solo releases.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The ponytail may only be on hiatus, but Bobiana is making a very strong case for an extended stay.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hiatus
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
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

Browse Nearby Words

hibernations
hiccup
hiccups
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Cite this Entry

“Hiccup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiccup. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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