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
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 respite
On Vermont Avenue, shoppers can pick up a box of doughnuts, consult with a Salvadoran attorney, seek respite at a Korean day spa, pick up meat at a carniceria, or dine out at a Korean barbecue.
—
Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
The couple, who have been married for 24 years and live in Meridian, Idaho, hoped Ms. Plummer would get a respite from her husband’s snoring.
—Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Cash typically provides respite in times like these.
—Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
In a world that's increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, the simple joy of a familiar scent can be a welcome respite.
—Venus Wong, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respite
Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
The couple, who have been married for 24 years and live in Meridian, Idaho, hoped Ms. Plummer would get a respite from her husband’s snoring.
—Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Cash typically provides respite in times like these.
—Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
In a world that's increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, the simple joy of a familiar scent can be a welcome respite.
—Venus Wong, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite
Noun
-
Travelers will need to show documents with the following in order to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, per DHS: Need a break?—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Exposure to natural light and fresh air can help regulate your sleep cycle and give your mind a break from screens or daily stressors.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This marks the end of a yearslong pause that began at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Schedule pauses, reflection time or even walks to reset your mind.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There may be long lulls between meteors, so try to be patient between visible bursts of activity.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Harris Beach State Park, Oregon Beaches in the Pacific Northwest are less about idyllic lulls in the sand and instead emphasize the dramatic landscapes that make the region so well-loved by nature enthusiasts.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Respite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respite. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share