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 Oil drops as Hormuz traffic rebounds Oil prices fell as new data showed crude exports from the Middle East surpassed prewar levels, though any respite may be short-lived as attacks on tankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz increased. — Mary Lawrence Ware, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Soccer is often one of the few things that offers you some respite, some joy. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 There’s little respite to be found in the Chargers’ upcoming games. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 There aren’t many such pockets of nature left in Singapore, which is a small and now heavily urbanized country, and that makes Coney Island feel all the more peaceful, like a respite and a haven of sorts. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite

Noun

The league has agreed to an extended All-Star break to accommodate the Olympics, but MLB also could tire of waiting for the union to agree with LA28, which badly wants MLB players to participate.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of break

Noun

While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of pause

Noun

Still, multiple lobbyists tell me that a flurry of regulator activity has prompted an increase in advocacy for some despite a year that has been otherwise marked by a lull in major legislative activity ahead of the election.

— Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
The upshot of this is that George, who works the room in a sharp gray suit, a few tattoos peeking out, has plenty of opportunities to charismatically make things right, shaking hands and clasping shoulders and sending over lull-filling drinks.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of respite

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