parenthesis

noun

pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
Definition of parenthesisnext
as in interval
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 parenthesis The work, of course, remains unfinished, although the parenthesis’s open-endedness functioned like a magnet for countless later writers, inviting them to graft their versions of how the book should continue. — Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 Their ages as of the start of next season are in parentheses. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Where else could Alfred, Lord Tennyson, share a parenthesis with Ed Sheeran and the Foo Fighters? — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 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 See All Example Sentences for parenthesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenthesis
  1. interval
  2. interruption
  3. hiatus
  4. pause
  5. gap
Noun
  • The different categories of wellness providers range from high-intensity interval studios to specialty clinics offering vitamin injections.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Microwave 10 tablespoons of the butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH in 15- to 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • These checkpoints allow a calculation to resume after an interruption instead of restarting from scratch.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • However, travelers could still face disruptions on the ground, with the embassy advising Americans to check for Metro station closures and other transportation interruptions before heading out.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Even after years of creative stagnation, a hiatus, and, tragically, the death of Takeoff, in 2022, Migos had already cemented themselves as cultural icons perennially synonymous with everything cool.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In her own update on her Instagram Story, Laforteza described the work she’s been doing since going on hiatus.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of hiatus
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
  • Democrats still have an advantage in voting by mail, but that gap is smaller than in 2022 as more Democrats shift to early in-person voting.
    — A Martínez, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The sell-off came despite the positive results, underscoring the gap between the treatment's clinical promise and investor expectations for its commercial potential.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of gap

Browse Nearby Words

parentheses
parenthesis
parenthetically
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parenthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parenthesis. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenthesis

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