parentheses

noun

plural of parenthesis
as in intervals
a break in continuity there was a parenthesis of silence when the microphone momentarily lost power

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 parentheses All figures in parentheses below are current estimates for those crop years in million bales. — Sj Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026 Irrespective of his death in parentheses, Philip Sidney wielded the two typographical boomerangs with aplomb in his brilliantly stylish and dizzyingly chaotic Arcadia. — Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 Here’s a rundown of other transfers who should make a major impact this season (former schools in parentheses). — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Their ages as of the start of next season are in parentheses. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 The tutor recognized the expression, asked him to clarify his parentheses, and guided him through a second application of the difference-of-squares pattern. — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Top 10 best malls Here are USA Today readers’ 2026 selections of their favorite malls in the United States with last year’s rank in parentheses. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parentheses
  1. intervals
  2. interruptions
  3. hiatuses
  4. gaps
  5. pauses
Noun
  • The concern is that intervals between such events are becoming too short for soils, ground waters, and rivers to fully recover.
    — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Rumbler interacts with a standard police siren, which generates around 110 to 120 decibels, and amplifies that sound through its speakers in eight-second intervals.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of intervals
Noun
  • Fraud alerts, transaction declines, connectivity issues, or differences in merchant systems can create interruptions at inconvenient moments.
    — TD Bank, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The goal isn’t to match every piece, Lastiri says, but to reduce visual interruptions.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of interruptions
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.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 May 2026
  • Over nearly two decades, BIGBANG has weathered member departures, legal controversies, and years-long hiatuses.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of hiatuses
Noun
  • Newcastle United have five days until the start of their season and still have lots of gaps to fill in their squad.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Those provisions give the inspector general new authority to temporarily withhold portions of his reports that reveal security risks, fraud-detection gaps or pending litigation.
    — Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of gaps
Noun
  • Suddenly, residents and officials in red states and swing districts such as Texas, Mississippi and Ohio are echoing progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders in calling for pauses on new data centers.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Loud, frequent snoring paired with gasping, choking or pauses in breathing may point to obstructive sleep apnea.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pauses

Browse Nearby Words

parented
parentheses
parenthesis
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Cite this Entry

“Parentheses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parentheses. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on parentheses

Nglish: Translation of parentheses for Spanish Speakers

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