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

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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 parenthesis Top 10 With records through Monday and previous rankings in parentheses. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2026 The prose is hypnotic, all the more so for its many digressions and parentheses, unveiling tiny set pieces like so many Fabergé eggs. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 Salary values for 2026-27 in parentheses. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026 The last two highlight lines alter the way Vim highlights matching parentheses by changing the highlight method to an underline instead of a big full-height cursor-emulating block. — Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenthesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenthesis
  1. interval
  2. interruption
  3. hiatus
  4. pause
  5. gap
Noun
  • Remember that intensity is relative, so adjust your pace, resistance, and rest intervals as needed.
    — Jenessa Connor, Health, 17 July 2026
  • The equalising goal came in first-half stoppage time, with Norway coach Stale Solbakken visibly annoyed with referee Clement Turpin at the half-time interval.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • Yet, for organizations navigating financial, operational and staffing challenges, these periods of transition can easily become interruptions rather than opportunities.
    — Leslie Anderson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • Healthcare providers can’t afford interruptions, especially during a pandemic.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • The halftime show performers BTS (co-headliner) The popular K-pop group returns after military conscription forced its multi-year hiatus.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • The band released four studio albums before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2002.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
Definition of hiatus
Noun
  • Long way to go Reportedly, ZeroAvia faced financial constraints that forced a recent workforce reduction and the pause of its in-house electric propulsion and ZA600 powertrain developments.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
  • That order could keep the merger on pause indefinitely while the litigation moves forward, which means it could be paused for years, unless an appeals court overrules her.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • Inspectors also pointed to a large gap along the bottom of the bakery’s street-side double doors that could allow more insects or rodents to get inside.
    — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • But both of these increase the gap between the solar clock and the body’s internal clock, which has been linked to poor health outcomes.
    — Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 17 July 2026
Definition of gap

Browse Nearby Words

parentheses
parenthesis
parenthetically
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Cite this Entry

“Parenthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parenthesis. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on parenthesis

Nglish: Translation of parenthesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenthesis

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