as in winter
a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness
we need to take a time-out from our relationship to think things over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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 time-out
In addition, Invincible VS has a cool way to prevent time-outs and keep its aggressive play going: Sudden Death.
—
PC Magazine, 9 Aug. 2025
There, leadership teams take a time-out to question legacy thinking and ways of relating to each other and their stakeholders.
—Karyn Gallant, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Tsitsipas, who did not break any rules, also left court to go to the bathroom at the end of the second set and had a medical time-out for treatment on a foot injury before the fourth.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 8 July 2025
An authoritarian might glare sternly and immediately move to a time-out or spanking or to send their child to bed hungry.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for time-out
PC Magazine, 9 Aug. 2025
There, leadership teams take a time-out to question legacy thinking and ways of relating to each other and their stakeholders.
—Karyn Gallant, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Tsitsipas, who did not break any rules, also left court to go to the bathroom at the end of the second set and had a medical time-out for treatment on a foot injury before the fourth.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 8 July 2025
An authoritarian might glare sternly and immediately move to a time-out or spanking or to send their child to bed hungry.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
-
Just about every corner of North America has experienced a super-sized helping of continentality in this winter’s weather.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Caslon Cashmere Crewneck Sweater At $77, this sweater proves that adding cashmere to your winter wardrobe isn’t the intimidating investment it’s made out to be.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
During the journey, photos and videos are being shared online and show Aloka traveling along highways and sidewalks, resting during breaks and greeting supporters.—
Christina Shaw,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Aisha Tyler Hosting Talk Soup was a big break for Aisha Tyler, although her stint was short.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The company says this approach can support sustainability goals by reducing inefficiencies tied to excess vehicles, downtime, and energy use.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Matchmaking will be disabled 30 minutes before downtime begins.—
Robbie Farias,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Activity hit a lull after Edwin Díaz was introduced as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new closer 26 days ago.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Hornick, the diner’s owner, said that despite the Logan Square spot struggling for many months — some days having a two-hour lull without a single customer — servers would turn a switch immediately as the door swung open.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Federal lawmakers are trying to avoid another closure that would lead to furloughs of thousands of federal workers and a pause in some government operations.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Disneyland will restart its 70th anniversary celebration with a new menu lineup designed to tempt foodies and keep them coming back for more after pressing pause on the yearlong party during the Halloween and Christmas seasons.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Councilman Gregg Adamson said the layoffs weren't his idea.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The job market has been rough for both employers and professionals as widespread layoffs dominate headlines and professionals face intense competition for jobs.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share