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
Six weeks after her disappearance, even after the cameras have left, there’s little respite from the questions and anxiety in the minds of Tucson residents.
—
Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
The Lodge, while crowded, can be a nice respite from the madness of SXSW if arrive early in the day.
—Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
But in 1978, soccer offered the country a respite.
—Jeffrey Pierre, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026
The heavily pregnant star is enjoying a brief moment of respite, sans red-carpet gowns, opting instead for a Savage x Fenty hoodie, sporting her mini Afro and a bare face for the first time in weeks.
—Kemi Alemoru, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
The Lodge, while crowded, can be a nice respite from the madness of SXSW if arrive early in the day.
—Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
But in 1978, soccer offered the country a respite.
—Jeffrey Pierre, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026
The heavily pregnant star is enjoying a brief moment of respite, sans red-carpet gowns, opting instead for a Savage x Fenty hoodie, sporting her mini Afro and a bare face for the first time in weeks.
—Kemi Alemoru, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite
Noun
-
His big break came when the Tar Heels hired him — a guy with direct connections to Air Force and Kansas, but not so much to UNC — to be an obscure assistant coach.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
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On March 4, the Fort Worth City Council at its work session discussed an economic development agreement which could offer Edged Data Centers a 50% break on property taxes for 10 years, in exchange for jobs and investments.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Billy Randolph had shaped them and how his death had altered their lives, responses came after long pauses and were choked with grief.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But no pause was announced in the overall military campaign.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Signs of growing confidence began to emerge late last year as exit values picked up and cash distribution for investors started flowing again, encouraging private equity to resume preparations to launch new funds after a multiyear lull in activity.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
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Loose ends and compelling payoffs await after a subdued and slow-ish first frame that struggles with a balance between dark brooding and uneven lull.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 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 30 Mar. 2026.
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