as in vacation
a period of time during which someone does not work at their regular job
Several professors will be taking sabbaticals this year. She recently returned to work after a two-year sabbatical from her acting career.
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Recent Examples of sabbatical
Winners receive a $5,000 cash award and a free spring sabbatical provided by Northwestern University.
—
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Carpentier acknowledged the abuse, was sent to a treatment center and later went on sabbatical at Boston College.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
The two-year break turned out to be a sabbatical as Jackson returned to Shoe Carnival in June 2025 as senior vice president, new business development.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026
Taking a break from college to be a ski bum in Vail, Colorado, set Gregory Du Bois on a path of taking mini-sabbaticals throughout his corporate IT career.
—Colleen Newvine, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sabbatical
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Carpentier acknowledged the abuse, was sent to a treatment center and later went on sabbatical at Boston College.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
The two-year break turned out to be a sabbatical as Jackson returned to Shoe Carnival in June 2025 as senior vice president, new business development.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026
Taking a break from college to be a ski bum in Vail, Colorado, set Gregory Du Bois on a path of taking mini-sabbaticals throughout his corporate IT career.
—Colleen Newvine, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sabbatical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sabbatical
Noun
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This crochet sweater is a close match to Alba’s vacation ’fit.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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Chee was arrested Thursday while on a family vacation to Disney World and charged with seven counts of second-degree murder — one for each person killed in July 1 blast.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Yet the break has offered F1’s various stakeholders the chance to weigh up what may need changing outside the demands of a grand prix weekend.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That is why programs allowing supervised or monitored furloughs exist.—
Sean Garcia Leys,
Oc Register,
27 Mar. 2026
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The number of furlough days was determined by the employee's salary.—
Brian Maass,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Inspectors explained that embers can ignite the smallest fuels around a home, including pine needles, dead leaves, and dry grass.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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First, remove any flammable leaves, sticks, and other debris from the gravel.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Childhood memories tied to food For Tedla, stews like Doro Wot are closely associated with her memories of holiday meals growing up.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
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The permit application would require each business to submit a security and maintenance plan with details on alcohol safety training and security coverage for all hours of operation, including special events and holidays.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The first principle, affording everybody equal basic rights and liberties, supersedes everything else and should be anchored in the nation’s constitution.—
George G. Szpiro,
Big Think,
9 Apr. 2026
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Conservative leaders characterize their political mobilization as a necessary response to progressive overreach at the state level, framing their work as defending community values and individual liberties against government expansion.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sabbatical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sabbatical. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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