as in to hesitate
to come to a temporary halt in one's activity
he paused for a moment to regain his composure
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lull
a momentary halt in an activity
there was a brief pause for applause in her speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
the question caught the professor off guard, and there was a pause before he responded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pause
The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Each panelist paused upon hearing this complex talking point.
—Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The Google adtech decision was initially set to be unveiled on Monday, but EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič urged a pause over concerns that the announcement could scuttle ongoing trade discussions with the US government.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
Verb
But a hamstring injury paused the first baseman’s second-half hot streak.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Each panelist paused upon hearing this complex talking point.
—Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
Coming off back to back Hollywood blockbusters, Jonathan Bailey is ready to press pause on acting.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The Google adtech decision was initially set to be unveiled on Monday, but EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič urged a pause over concerns that the announcement could scuttle ongoing trade discussions with the US government.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pause
Verb
-
In Larsen’s view, striking at the right moment - whether in blockchain, AI, or precision medicine - requires not only patience but also the courage to act decisively when others hesitate.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Some executives hesitated, unsure of what to expect.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But after that moment, the Bills hit a massive lull.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The show hit another peak after a mid-set lull, which Liam valiantly tried to shake off with stories, jokes, and playful crowd banter — a side of him more familiar offstage than on.—
Lily Moayeri,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That hesitation quickly fled when the mask began to dry and tighten on the skin.—
Abby Dupes,
StyleCaster,
5 Sep. 2025
-
So is the hesitation, the concern for consequence, and the mid-match questioning of how she is supposed to play.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The new 12-night journey will launch in the summer of 2027 aboard the company's ice-breaking Le Commandant Charcot ship and is purposely designed to meet demand for a shorter cruise that still celebrates polar exploration, Ponant shared with Travel + Leisure.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While the head coach has been a breath of fresh air from a culture perspective, that aspect will only go so far if the team continues to lose week in and week out.—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Focus on body sensations, breath and presence without attempting to initiate contact.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That could alleviate some of the problems, including hesitancy that some pharmacists and doctors have because of the changing rules and confusion.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
-
If there was any hesitancy about embracing a comedian with no filter, Notre Dame is now in on the joke.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dillinger’s vehicle went into the water in a brief, two-year interruption in the lake’s longer-term decline.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Construction at the site, which stretches over 3,000 acres, has been suspended, but there was no interruption at the adjacent EV manufacturing facility.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Josh Brolin, who played big brother Brandon Walsh, expressed hesitance about a second movie.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Probably not, given the company’s strange hesitance to part ways with its current leadership.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pause. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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