interruption

noun

ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce interruption (audio)
Definition of interruptionnext
1
as in interval
a break in continuity an interruption in cable service during the lightning storm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pause
a momentary halt in an activity a brief interruption in the discussion while we all got coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 interruption For neighbors, the crash brought a frightening interruption to an otherwise routine afternoon. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 The debate was somewhat tamer than the two candidates' first faceoff earlier this month, which featured insults and interruptions in virtually every answer. — Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 In the case of more clement weather, the matches would likely proceed without interruption. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The cable network Starz and its ancillary properties are available once again on Verizon’s Fios service following an interruption in service due to a battle over the terms of a new contract. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interruption
  1. interval
  2. pause
  3. hiatus
  4. lull
  5. gap
  6. breath
  7. break
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Rather than waiting for a lull to try something new, leaders can make innovation a regular part of business operations.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But in the event of an energetic lull or bout of social fatigue, a game is a nice place to land.
    — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of lull
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
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Perry and Robert are figuring the logistics of end-of-life care in real time straight through to their charge’s final breath.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Doctors detected abnormal breath sounds, and a scan revealed a round blotch in his right lung—a sign of blood, pus, fluid or tissue—but tests for common pathogens came back negative.
    — Rachel Melegrito, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of breath
Noun
  • Earlier this month, Minnesota Vikings fans who’d settled in for the team’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins were surprised to see a Paxton ad show up during one of the in-game breaks.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • If a low-value test breaks repeatedly after harmless UI changes, regenerating or deleting it may be cheaper than assigning a senior engineer to preserve it forever.
    — Mudit Singh, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of break

Browse Nearby Words

interrupting
interruption
interruptions
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Cite this Entry

“Interruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interruption. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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