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
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
From fans of the Fitzgeralds to those celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, babymoon, or simply a weekend away from the kids, the rooms at Zelda Dearest provide the perfect respite for a getaway in Asheville.
—
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The story Mike tells is emotional respite for the Hawkins kids.
—Yohana Desta, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2026
That hot streak left the Pozzuolis, who juggle two children, Eddie and Vinny, with little time for respite.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Californians were gifted a brief respite before a wet New Year’s Day.
—Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respite
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The story Mike tells is emotional respite for the Hawkins kids.
—Yohana Desta, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2026
That hot streak left the Pozzuolis, who juggle two children, Eddie and Vinny, with little time for respite.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
Californians were gifted a brief respite before a wet New Year’s Day.
—Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite
Noun
-
Thornton ended the unsightly stretch with a late bucket for a 31-28 lead at the break.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Many Nordic investors and founders annually travel to Copenhagen for the first startup event after the summer break.—
Melinda Elmborg,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The county commissioners will hold a public hearing on the plan for Comanche Circle, and separately consider putting a temporary pause on these types of big developments.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Hawke gives me a Harrison Ford-length pause — not out of nervousness, but genuine thought.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Activity hit a lull after Edwin Díaz was introduced as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new closer 26 days ago.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Hornick, the diner’s owner, said that despite the Logan Square spot struggling for many months — some days having a two-hour lull without a single customer — servers would turn a switch immediately as the door swung open.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
