as in intervals
a break in continuity
an awkward intermission between speeches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 intermissions
Because match commentators are asked to take the helm of halftime themselves, those intermissions are usually rote recitations of highlights rather than any sort of tactical breakdown that would require time away from a microphone to prepare.
—
Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
There will also be two short intermissions.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Newport’s skillful direction drives the more than 3½-hour play (including two intermissions), making every minute count.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
The wave of customers who visit the concession stands during intermissions makes speed of service more important for venues than for most stores, restaurants or taverns.
—David Bruce, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
After the first of two intermissions (a choice that logistically makes sense but somewhat slows the pace), the action jumps to Marlene’s present day, in the early years of conservative politician Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as the UK’s prime minister.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The reason McDavid knows that for a fact is that Crosby was around the team before, and — perhaps more notably — during the game, in the room at intermissions trying to help Canada find solutions for Finland’s trademark stifling defensive style.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
There were multiple intermissions, but those became part of the show as well, as there was no set time limit.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
The long intermissions can tell us a lot about the music that has made us (Springsteen, McCartney, Diana Ross, U2) and serve as a barometer for the current culture (Kendrick Lamar) — kind of like the headlining spots at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
There will also be two short intermissions.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Newport’s skillful direction drives the more than 3½-hour play (including two intermissions), making every minute count.
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
The wave of customers who visit the concession stands during intermissions makes speed of service more important for venues than for most stores, restaurants or taverns.
—David Bruce, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
After the first of two intermissions (a choice that logistically makes sense but somewhat slows the pace), the action jumps to Marlene’s present day, in the early years of conservative politician Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as the UK’s prime minister.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
The reason McDavid knows that for a fact is that Crosby was around the team before, and — perhaps more notably — during the game, in the room at intermissions trying to help Canada find solutions for Finland’s trademark stifling defensive style.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
There were multiple intermissions, but those became part of the show as well, as there was no set time limit.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
The long intermissions can tell us a lot about the music that has made us (Springsteen, McCartney, Diana Ross, U2) and serve as a barometer for the current culture (Kendrick Lamar) — kind of like the headlining spots at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intermissions
Noun
-
Use twine or soft plant ties to attach the branches or canes of sprawling and grabbing climbers to the support structure at regular intervals, tying securely but not too tightly.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 May 2026
-
The volcano rumbles at predictable intervals, a low groan like a thunderstorm a few valleys over.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Representatives from dozens of agencies, incuding the New Jersey State Police, discussed the potential of cyber attacks, infrastructure interruptions, and infectious diseases.—
Lisa Rozner,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
-
The private villa is not merely as a place to stay, but offers an operating system for a life that wants fewer interruptions and almost no witnesses.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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
Noun
-
Instead of direct feedback, their vague responses, pauses, or neutral expressions force staff to constantly interpret unsaid meanings, creating significant cognitive load.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
Taiwanese officials say they were not alerted to any potential pauses, according to The Associated Press.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Fill in some of the scientific gaps about our solar system and the universe beyond with us.—
Regina G. Barber,
NPR,
29 May 2026
-
Find opportunities for legislative or policy fixes to address gaps in the law that limit the state's ability to intervene effectively.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
That’s a realm the film itself dives into for extended, immersive and blearily entrancing interludes — a gateway into its eventual, more drastic breakdown of rational reality, controlled by one player’s will.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
24 May 2026
-
The woozy, choppily edited party sequence, featuring lots of handheld, cellphone-style footage and glassy slow-motion interludes, clearly illustrates the camaraderie and profound affection between the five main characters, who tease and tickle one another like sportive, overgrown puppies.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intermissions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intermissions. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
