PARENTHESIS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

parenthesis

noun

pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs

Definition of parenthesis

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 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 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

Noun

As much as there’s little room for nuance in the interval of frenzied overreaction that is Week 1 of the NFL season, two seemingly contradictory statements can be true at the exact same time.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026
The reactor would also need a fuel replacement interval of at least five years.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of interval

Noun

Practitioners describe them as brief interruptions in familiar patterns.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
If a facility had successfully operated through years of storms without interruption, many organizations considered their risk profile well understood.

— Patty Templeton-Jones, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of interruption

Noun

Lawrence has widened his aim to the entire AI industry, calling for a pause on AI development in the wake of fears from some at the companies that the technology could eliminate humanity.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Wade said the massive makeover by the Heat, in contrast, likely created pause for his former Heat teammate.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of pause

Noun

The exact circumstances in each nation differ, but vaccination gaps are a common thread, leading some experts to question if more catastrophic measles outbreaks are around the corner.

— Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2026
For his part, Johnson has cast undetailed settlement costs as an unavoidable key driver of the city’s looming $882 million budget gap.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of gap

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parentheses

parenthesis

parenthetically

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

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Synonyms of parenthesis

noun

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