hiccups

noun

variants also hiccoughs
plural of hiccup
as in interruptions
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 hiccups How motivated the Cowboys’ ownership group is to get the Super Bowl back to Arlington is up for debate, but the World Cup proved that any logistical or structural concerns that stemmed from a couple of hiccups back in 2011 no longer exist. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 And, as with most engines, a timely tuneup helps ensure smooth and predictable functioning, avoiding hiccups or holdups. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026 While the rest of the world responds to movements made elsewhere, the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City can reasonably expect to secure most, if not all, of their summer targets without many hiccups. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 July 2026 Our best advice for avoiding delays, hiccups and frustration on the way to vacation. — Natalie B. Compton, Washington Post, 8 July 2026 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 Refining the Results There were plenty of hiccups before this vision materialized, however. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiccups
  1. interruptions
  2. intervals
  3. hiatuses
  4. gaps
  5. pauses
Noun
  • The goal is to reduce digital interruptions, improve students’ engagement with classroom lessons, increase face-to-face interactions and reduce conflicts that play out on social media during school hours.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of interruptions
Noun
  • These units supply steady thermal energy for long-range voyages without requiring refueling intervals for years at a time.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Remember that intensity is relative, so adjust your pace, resistance, and rest intervals as needed.
    — Jenessa Connor, Health, 17 July 2026
Definition of intervals
Noun
  • Despite his enduring success, Rollins was never quite satisfied with his art, occasionally taking lengthy hiatuses from playing and consistently adopting eclectic new styles.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 26 May 2026
  • Despite his enduring success, Rollins was never quite satisfied with his art, occasionally taking lengthy hiatuses from playing and consistently adopting eclectic new styles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 May 2026
Definition of hiatuses
Noun
  • Companies like Trace Finance capitalize on structural gaps, offering zero-cost FX to secure profitable trade finance and credit relationships, mirroring traditional banks' strategies in high-interest markets like Brazil.
    — Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Simultaneously rendering the past less remote while relishing its radical foreignness, Beard presses readers to grapple with alien ideas, reckon with gaps in their knowledge, and confront complexity.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of gaps
Noun
  • Considering the outsize roll these pathogens play in driving severe respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, these pauses are alarming.
    — John Kubale, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
  • Packages flow directly from dock doors into scanning, identification and stacking—with no pauses, no handoffs and no redesigns.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Definition of pauses

Browse Nearby Words

hiccup
hiccups
hic jacet
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Cite this Entry

“Hiccups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiccups. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hiccups

Nglish: Translation of hiccups for Spanish Speakers

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