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
  • Since 1972, timekeepers have added 27 positive leap seconds to UTC, at very irregular intervals.
    — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Named Maai after a Japanese term (ma-ai) relating to meaningful spacing, timing, or intervals, the 154-foot superyacht combines Japanese restraint with Italian conviviality to create an onboard environment that can be both zen and buzzy.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • Shorter supply routes could help reduce exposure to transport interruptions and improve access to essential fuels during emergencies.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Those numbers assume the S&P 500 returns more than 10% a year without interruption for 55 years.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Just look at the way Manon Bannerman’s hiatus from KATSEYE has dominated discourse around the group for nearly eight months and counting.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Danny Wimmer Presents, the group behind GoldenSky and Aftershock in Sacramento, announced the dates for the festival’s return following a two-year hiatus.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of hiatus
Noun
  • Prior to the pause, Verizon had told the FCC that the old-school copper networks will remain in place for areas where its replacement solution falls short of Commission standards.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But, in a moment where the AI industry is filled with existential anxiety, and even its leaders are calling for brakes, Haugen isn’t advocating for a pause in AI development.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • The new version centers on Dalin, a single mother who designs bridal gowns and whose devotion to her job has opened a gap between her and her 10-year-old daughter Mina.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • But the artist has left gaps where the musician had personal photos of friends and family framed.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 10 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on parenthesis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenthesis

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