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 Barring any unexpected regulatory hiccups, the merger is expected to close sometime in the third quarter of 2026. — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Despite fears of World Cup gridlock and mass transit meltdowns, traffic is moving faster than usual on NYC streets on match days and mass transit options appear to be delivering fans to and from the games without major hiccups. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 All in all, however, there haven't been any major hiccups. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 25 June 2026 Teams ran into a hiccup early though as the two air conditioning units were not keeping the temperature cool enough. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiccup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiccup
  1. interruption
  2. interval
  3. hiatus
  4. pause
  5. gap
Noun
  • Yet, for organizations navigating financial, operational and staffing challenges, these periods of transition can easily become interruptions rather than opportunities.
    — Leslie Anderson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • Healthcare providers can’t afford interruptions, especially during a pandemic.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of interruption
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
  • In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mandagi and Dundas reflect on their hiatus, return to the studio, and creating an album free of expectation.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026
  • After ending a 15-year recording hiatus with 2017’s Now, Twain returned again in 2023 with Queen of Me, which launched a massive international arena tour.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 10 July 2026
Definition of hiatus
Noun
  • In a text message to the Star-Telegram, Crain argued the pause would give Fort Worth the opportunity to create a framework that could serve as a model for other cities confronting similar challenges.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
  • The move follows an inspector general audit urging a pause on new deployments and contracts until enforceable privacy, security and oversight rules are in place.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of 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

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hibernations
hiccup
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Cite this Entry

“Hiccup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiccup. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hiccup

Nglish: Translation of hiccup for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hiccup

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