Synonyms of suspend

suspend

verb

sə-ˈspend 

1

as in to postpone

to bring to a formal close for a period of time

the judge suspended the hearing to give the district attorney more time to process evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• postpone
• interrupt
• adjourn
• recess
• defer
• prorogue
• discontinue
• reserve
• prorogate
• revoke
• halt
• terminate
• disband
• shelve
• disperse
• stop
• rescind
• call
• dissolve
• table
• recall
• put off
• break off
• conclude
• hold off
• intermit
• close
• nullify
• annul
• end
• invalidate
• abort
• repeal
• quash
• abrogate
• wind up
• wrap up
• call off
• negate
• void
• break up
• drop

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• open
• extend
• proceed
• launch
• inaugurate
• prolong
• carry on
• resume
• renew
• reopen
• draw out
• call
• summon
• assemble
• convene
• rally
• muster
• convoke

2

as in to hang

to place on an elevated point without support from below

suspended a banner proclaiming the town's "Heritage Days" from the archway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hang
• swing
• dangle
• sling
• hook
• mount
• string
• pin
• drape
• extend (out)
• tack
• protrude
• depend
• stick out
• project
• balance
• jut
• overhang
• cascade
• festoon
• fall
• garland
• poise

Synonym Chooser

How is the word suspend distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of suspend are defer, postpone, and stay. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

When would defer be a good substitute for suspend?

While the synonyms defer and suspend are close in meaning, defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

When can postpone be used instead of suspend?

Although the words postpone and suspend have much in common, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

When might stay be a better fit than suspend?

The synonyms stay and suspend are sometimes interchangeable, but stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of suspend

The new activity was separate from a border infrastructure project in the nearby Big Bend National Park, where the administration has temporarily suspended construction in an attempt to reach out to opponents. — Rebecca Santana, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

Judge Tracy Lee Dayton sentenced Dominick to 40 years in prison, suspended after service of 30 years, and five years of probation, DCJ officials said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

The federal gas tax has not been suspended since the establishment of the Highway Trust Fund in 1956. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Any time an air raid alert sounded, events were suspended immediately as guests, designers, and teams took shelter. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026