as in break
a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant or when something difficult or unpleasant stops or is delayed
The weekend provided a nice respite from the pressures of her job. a temporary respite
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Recent Examples of respite
Sun, then rain for Mother's Day The rain chance should then come to an end for Saturday night, setting us up for a brief respite in the action.
—
Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 9 May 2026
With so many stories about traditional media’s gloomy forecast, the night provided a respite from the usual negativity and instead offered a reason to celebrate.
—John Ross, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
During their stroll, Monroe stands over a subway grate as the whoosh of a passing train blows the skirt of her white halter dress up, a welcome respite from the sweltering heatwave that has gripped the city.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
With its own kitchen and an office for remote work, the space transitions easily from hosting friends and family to functioning as a respite for the homeowners.
—Allison Duncan, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 9 May 2026
With so many stories about traditional media’s gloomy forecast, the night provided a respite from the usual negativity and instead offered a reason to celebrate.
—John Ross, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
During their stroll, Monroe stands over a subway grate as the whoosh of a passing train blows the skirt of her white halter dress up, a welcome respite from the sweltering heatwave that has gripped the city.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
With its own kitchen and an office for remote work, the space transitions easily from hosting friends and family to functioning as a respite for the homeowners.
—Allison Duncan, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite
Noun
-
Clave Especial is finally taking a break.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
Gonzalez Rogers thanked the jurors for their contributions, and then everyone filed out for a break.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Chapman ended up getting turned around and tagged out, but his pause allowed Devers to score.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
-
Bass, after a brief pause, also said yes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s typically an offseason lull with most players, so drops in price or sales volume aren’t abnormal this time of year for NFL players.—
Benjamin Burrows,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
Amana Images Inc Sometimes, a lull in the mortgage interest rate climate can be a good thing for borrowers.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.—
Brianna Peters,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.—
Marisa McMillan,
Outside,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respite. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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