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 Life was once commonly arranged to give grown-ups these respites, too. — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 While this might sound like the start to another horror movie — especially with more sharks and more people seeking respite in the ocean amid record-breaking heat waves and a looming El Niño — there is good news. — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 One of the county's partners is The Gathering Inn, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, medical respite care, case management and permanent supportive housing. — Conor McGill, CBS News, 30 July 2026 While the resort is smoke-free, the Don Cigar Lounge is a nice respite for stogie lovers. — Gina Kramer, USA Today, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for respite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite

Noun

The three took a mother-daughter trip to Universal Studios in California during Haley Joy and Hope’s winter break from school.

— Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
The service break Sabalenka conceded in the final game was her sixth.

— Lukas Weese, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of break

Noun

The pause, which began July 23, was intended to give negotiations another chance, but progress on talks has not materialized.

— Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
After a nine-month pause, Houthi militants in Yemen allied to Iran resumed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea on July 22, 2026, directly targeting the group’s longtime foe Saudi Arabia.

— Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of pause

Noun

This may mark a lull before even more launch providers join the lineup from Florida as Relativity Space and Stoke Space continue to build out their sites on Cape Canaveral and could see their new rockets’ first missions flown next year.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Shipping threats rise despite war lull, analysts warn Oil prices fell Monday even as diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz sputtered.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of respite

noun

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