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
Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The tariffs then took effect again on March 4, though Trump later paused tariffs on automobiles and exempted many products from the tariffs on March 6.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Canada Post said Tuesday’s pause is designed to help members prepare new proposals to help move the discussions forward.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
Verb
The negotiating agreement gives the fair board unilateral authority to pause or end housing discussions at any time.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The tariffs then took effect again on March 4, though Trump later paused tariffs on automobiles and exempted many products from the tariffs on March 6.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
After an emotional pause lasting about 10 minutes, the game resumed, with Angel City winning 2-0.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Canada Post said Tuesday’s pause is designed to help members prepare new proposals to help move the discussions forward.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pause
Verb
-
And Brinkley didn’t hesitate to share her diet regimen.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2025
-
Ask Questions And Remain Curious For early-career entrants, the entire process is new, including securing an internship, so don't hesitate to ask questions.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Yeboah hasn’t scored since March, a lull of seven matches that also came with an ankle injury.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
16 May 2025
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There may be a lull in storms in the afternoon, but there is also a chance that once the first round dissipates, another batch of severe weather forms on the eastern fringes of the area.—
Miceala Morano,
Arkansas Online,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Part of the hesitation expressed by business centers on understanding how the tariffs will affect consumers’ view of the economy.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
9 May 2025
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As the fintech industry recalibrates—shifting from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable, focused models—leaders like Ferris are proving that clarity beats chaos, and conviction beats hesitation.—
Nicole Casperson,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
Most of them lasted for about one microsecond before breaking apart.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Just pick one small action today—one micro-act of joy, one text to a friend, one deep breath.—
Dr. Rina Koshkina,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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There's no good message for America that comes out of these guys ever taking a free breath again.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Some critics have blamed the arguments Kennedy has advanced for increasing hesitancy to get vaccines and allowing the disease to spread to its current outbreak, causing the first deaths from the disease since 2015.—
Julia Mueller,
The Hill,
1 May 2025
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Pitching owners to invest in an unproven concept is often met with hesitancy.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Resuming her testimony after the interruption, Geddes said Smith suffered more than a dozen stab wounds, but underwent a successful surgery.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
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Research shows that frequent interruptions, especially during cognitively complex tasks, increase error rates and reduce productivity.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
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This hesitance only reinforces the false narrative that race is a divisive topic rather than an integral part of understanding American society.—
Anne Tapp Jaksa,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
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The war plans group chat uncovered by a journalist at The Atlantic exposed some daylight between Vice President Vance and others in the administration, showing Vance’s hesitance about launching a military strike that President Trump has hailed this week as necessary and successful.—
Alex Gangitano,
The Hill,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pause. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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