as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
the director of the blood bank called for a moratorium in donations until the surplus could be used up
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Recent Examples of moratorium
As reported by the Kansas City Star, the local law was a direct response to potential ICE facilities and enacts a five-year moratorium on approvals for non-municipal detention centers within city limits.
—
Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 26 Jan. 2026
The two sides agreed to a moratorium on free agency, which was supposed to begin earlier this month.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Taking an unprecedented approach to using the relatively novel Congressional Review Act, the House voted 214-208 in favor of overturning a 20-year mining moratorium that was established in 2023.
—Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 21 Jan. 2026
Some cities already have paused the proliferation of data centers, such as west suburban Aurora, which has established a temporary moratorium on data centers and warehouses until their impact can be studied and addressed.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moratorium
Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 26 Jan. 2026
The two sides agreed to a moratorium on free agency, which was supposed to begin earlier this month.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Taking an unprecedented approach to using the relatively novel Congressional Review Act, the House voted 214-208 in favor of overturning a 20-year mining moratorium that was established in 2023.
—Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 21 Jan. 2026
Some cities already have paused the proliferation of data centers, such as west suburban Aurora, which has established a temporary moratorium on data centers and warehouses until their impact can be studied and addressed.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moratorium
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moratorium
Noun
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Last week’s announcement did not specify whether defaulted FFEL-program student loans held by guaranty agencies are covered by the suspension of involuntary collections.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Violators face nothing more serious than firing, reduction in salary grade, a ban on federal employment for up to five years, suspension, reprimand or a fine of up to $1,000.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Magnificent 7 & The Others The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets on Wednesday, but the outcome will hold no suspense.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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In Filipiñana, the angle of a golf club can evoke suspense, a piece of fruit on the ground can feel like a tragedy, and a casual glance can take your breath away.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Moratorium.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moratorium. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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