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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of respite
The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which provided some respite from weeks of bombing and missile attacks, is set to expire this Wednesday if the parties don’t find a way to extend it.
—
Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
These secret spots provide a serene respite from the bustle of the main street and feel almost like stepping through a portal into the vias of Paris or Rome.
—Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
In a time when our homes are expected to do more than ever, and the social media trend cycle is at an all-time high, whimsymaxxing offers a refreshing respite.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
But at least in Wisconsin, a respite could be near.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
These secret spots provide a serene respite from the bustle of the main street and feel almost like stepping through a portal into the vias of Paris or Rome.
—Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
In a time when our homes are expected to do more than ever, and the social media trend cycle is at an all-time high, whimsymaxxing offers a refreshing respite.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
But at least in Wisconsin, a respite could be near.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite
Noun
-
Steele is now unlikely to rejoin the Cubs’ rotation until after the July All-Star break, Counsell estimated.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Wagner led the team at the halfway mark with 17 points, scoring 10 points in the paint before the break.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Scott will be 25 years old as a rookie, which gives the pairing some pause, but the Bills are currently without a backup nickel at this point.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But this lull in anti-vaccine rhetoric and action should not be mistaken for a durable pivot in federal vaccine policy.—
Will Walters,
STAT,
23 Apr. 2026
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Yet, instead of taking advantage of this lull to prepare for the future by upgrading transmission lines and incorporating smart grid technologies en masse, policymakers procrastinated.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.—
Brianna Peters,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
-
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 Apr. 2026.
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