RESPITES Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

respite

noun

Definition of respite

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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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 Consumer prices in June saw their biggest decline in over six years as energy prices retreated, providing a welcome – if temporary – respite from 2026′s persistent inflation. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 14 July 2026 People dealing with record summer heat waves across the United States and Europe aren’t getting much of a respite when the sun goes down. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 14 July 2026 But the respite from global markets may not last indefinitely. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 13 July 2026 While the four-bedroom cottage was a welcome respite from city life for the family of five, tragedy struck the British royals not long after William and Kate’s relocation. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for respite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite

Noun

According to the laws of the game, the break between halves should be no longer than 15 minutes but FIFA has been quite vague about the rules for this particular tournament.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
The Liberty were unable to find much offensive success after the break.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of break

Noun

In a text message to the Star-Telegram, Crain argued the pause would give Fort Worth the opportunity to create a framework that could serve as a model for other cities confronting similar challenges.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
The move follows an inspector general audit urging a pause on new deployments and contracts until enforceable privacy, security and oversight rules are in place.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of pause

Noun

Parties have exploited lulls in fighting to buy time, rebuild capabilities and consolidate political or territorial gains ahead of the next round of conflict.

— Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
Oceanfront has long been treated as the aristocrat of waterfront living, prized for its horizon lines, lull of the tide and powerful symbolism of standing where land gives way.

— Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of lull

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respiring

respite

resplendence

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“Respite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respite. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of respite

noun

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