as in hesitated
to come to a temporary halt in one's activity
he paused for a moment to regain his composure
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 paused
But the judge’s order to reinstate Damsky was paused pending appeal.
—
Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
The disaster shook public confidence, led to speed reductions and temporarily paused construction on new lines, but no major incidents have been reported in the 15 years since, even as the network has continued to expand.
—Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
From Dad Supporting Dads to All Parents Welcome As the community grew, Seldon paused the podcast and expanded the mission into a nonprofit, first through Dad Supporting Dads and then through All Parents Welcome.
—Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Lorenzo Musetti and Tomas Macháč’s match was paused on John Cain Arena with Musetti leading 2-0 in the fifth set, while Linda Nosková’s match on Kia Arena was paused, because the venue does not have a roof.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Rome paused to honor Valentino Garavani on Friday morning.
—Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
As of the end of the 2025 model year, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Chrysler Pacifica PHEV have all officially been discontinued—not paused or back-burnered.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 8 Jan. 2026
Garnishments were paused during the pandemic.
—Tiffani Jackson, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
According to Harvard’s estimates in June 2025, most of the mineral, oil and gas resource projects in Greenland with Chinese backing had been paused or canceled.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
The disaster shook public confidence, led to speed reductions and temporarily paused construction on new lines, but no major incidents have been reported in the 15 years since, even as the network has continued to expand.
—Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
From Dad Supporting Dads to All Parents Welcome As the community grew, Seldon paused the podcast and expanded the mission into a nonprofit, first through Dad Supporting Dads and then through All Parents Welcome.
—Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Lorenzo Musetti and Tomas Macháč’s match was paused on John Cain Arena with Musetti leading 2-0 in the fifth set, while Linda Nosková’s match on Kia Arena was paused, because the venue does not have a roof.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Rome paused to honor Valentino Garavani on Friday morning.
—Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
As of the end of the 2025 model year, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Chrysler Pacifica PHEV have all officially been discontinued—not paused or back-burnered.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 8 Jan. 2026
Garnishments were paused during the pandemic.
—Tiffani Jackson, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
According to Harvard’s estimates in June 2025, most of the mineral, oil and gas resource projects in Greenland with Chinese backing had been paused or canceled.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paused
hesitated
Verb
-
While competitors hesitated, Tesla built data depth and operational learning that now underpin its long-term advantage.—
Matthew C. Meade,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Crew members hesitated, unsure how to navigate the transition.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paused.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paused. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
