interrupt

verb

ˌin-tə-ˈrəpt How to pronounce interrupt (audio)
Definition of interruptnext
as in to intrude
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion it's rude to interrupt when someone is making an important point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 interrupt In some cases, the breaks interrupted the flow of the game just as a team was starting to take control. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Among them, the missiles are difficult to manufacture, supply chain squeezes can interrupt production, and missile production decisions are also made years in advance. — James Powel, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 In recent years, Orbit spoke candidly about overcoming substance abuse and a psychotic episode that interrupted his career before returning to music. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026 Kupp started to say something about Romo when Darnold interrupted. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interrupt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrupt
  1. intrude
  2. bother
  3. cut in
  4. add
  5. interpose
  6. break in
Verb
  • Mow Regularly Keeping your lawn and garden tidy with frequent mowing and weeding is the best way to ensure poison ivy never gets a chance to intrude.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ordinary concerns like money do intrude on occasion, pitting working-class locals against wealthy tourists, but not to the point that the gang is beholden to anything so mundane as a set work schedule.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of intrude
Verb
  • The one issue that is bothering me at or just before launch is the CPU's Wear and Tear management.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of bother
Verb
  • Flames erupt from plane after bird strike A cut in pay for a steady job?
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
  • On the first day of school, Pell said, that number dropped to 69, and he was told the district would hire more contract and assistant SLPs — the same positions the board voted to cut in April.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of cut in
Verb
  • The new Vista Point complex will add 193 independent living units, 72 assisted living residences, an indoor pool, performing arts auditorium, art studio and more, and ultimately will boost Fairview’s overall population to nearly 600.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • With her win, the 18-year-old adds her name to a list of iconic athletes in USA Gymnastics history.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of add
Verb
  • The short-haired friend interposed herself on the bench between the twenty-three-year-old woman and the thirty-five-year-old man, putting her arm around the former and totally ignoring the latter.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
  • Language, being a product of rationality, lacks the capacity to interpose itself.
    — Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 13 June 2026
Definition of interpose
Verb
  • The exposure obviously scares him, but not enough to stop him from filming his next scene, where he’s been tasked with breaking in newcomer Cami Soul.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Skywatchers in Iceland and Ireland were hoping for a break in the clouds to view the total solar eclipse, but many struck out.
    — Raf Sanchez, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of break in

Browse Nearby Words

interrogatory
interrupt
interrupted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrupt. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on interrupt

Nglish: Translation of interrupt for Spanish Speakers

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