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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 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

Noun

Also, ibogaine’s prolongation of the heart’s QT intervals carries a real risk of fatal arrhythmia.

— Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
The Maya, for example, observed and calculated intervals between solar and lunar eclipses, building predictions and calendars around the pattern.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of interval

Noun

The intense media attention surrounding her may have hastened her decision to step away from the spotlight, but the hiatus may have been in the works for some time.

— Roberta Mercuri, Vanity Fair, 3 Aug. 2026
Mulroney went on hiatus for the latter half of Season 14, returning in the finale.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of hiatus

Noun

The pause, which began July 23, was intended to give negotiations another chance, but progress on talks has not materialized.

— Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
After a nine-month pause, Houthi militants in Yemen allied to Iran resumed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea on July 22, 2026, directly targeting the group’s longtime foe Saudi Arabia.

— Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of pause

Noun

Furthermore, understanding compensation gaps helps identify valuable expertise and actionable development paths.

— Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Missouri’s Ramon Fiorini looked to widen the gap on Ginga Ninja, but his first go resulted in a re-ride, and the Freedom’s Alex Cerqueira also got a re-ride on Big Red to follow it up.

— Ava DiCecca, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of gap

Browse Nearby Words

parentheses

parenthesis

parenthetically

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Parenthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parenthesis. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of parenthesis

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on parenthesis

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nurture

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes