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
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
In 2011, during a sabbatical in Spain, Zatorre met Josep Marco-Pallares, a neuroscientist at the University of Barcelona who studies how people respond to rewards.
—Shayla Love, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers (13 points) The Steelers summoned the 62-year-old Pittsburgh native after his one-year sabbatical, and McCarthy will continue his distinguished coaching tour after leading the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys earlier in his career.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sabbatical
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
In 2011, during a sabbatical in Spain, Zatorre met Josep Marco-Pallares, a neuroscientist at the University of Barcelona who studies how people respond to rewards.
—Shayla Love, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers (13 points) The Steelers summoned the 62-year-old Pittsburgh native after his one-year sabbatical, and McCarthy will continue his distinguished coaching tour after leading the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys earlier in his career.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sabbatical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sabbatical
Noun
-
If the dress code calls for true beachy or vacation attire, the Jaylah Strapless Midi Dress from Lulus looks like a wavy, ocean-like print that will blend in perfectly on the shore.—
Anna Popp,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
But even in a semi-collapsed state, people want family and children and vacations, and so Caroline somewhat reluctantly joins Adam and a cohort of others on Haven.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite the 17-point margin on paper, the outcome was up for grabs at the break.—
Cody Thorn,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Leonard scored 10 in a row for the Clippers and Towns had eight straight for the Knicks, who trailed 64-55 at the break.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For non-union employees, such as principals, assistant principals, district-level administrators and executive secretaries, furloughs are allowed.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The airline also instituted furloughs and job cuts before its first bankruptcy filing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In accordance with department policy, the officer who fired his firearm has been placed on administrative leave while Internal Affairs conducts an administrative investigation.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In fall, the green leaves fade into yellow.—
Zoe Gowen,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For months when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, like March, these payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
With spring holidays like Easter and Passover on the way, as well as graduations, wedding season, potential job interviews and more, a dress clothes refresh is in order.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While Love Story seems to take some wild liberties, the couple did frequent the diner on Hudson Street.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Celebrate our 250th anniversary by reading history books, watching historical documentaries, becoming more civically engaged, and appreciating the precious gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sabbatical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sabbatical. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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