Definition of time-outnext
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

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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 That’s with two new coaches in the league, including one new coach who never called a time-out. Brian Robin, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 You might be caught up trying to nurture someone (or something) while secretly needing a time-out for yourself. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 European soccer leagues, meanwhile, have largely refrained from following the U.S.’s lead, partly because the game revolves around near-continuous play and does not traditionally include breaks or time-outs. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026 With the duel tied at 88-88, the Aces called time-out with five seconds left. Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • This is worsened by record temperatures and a record-low snowpack this winter season.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • Maryland’s identity is intertwined with the luminous blue crab, which builds up fat reserves in the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay during winter hibernation, giving it a bold, rich flavor.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Mark my words, Rosewood will make travelers start regarding Phuket as a tasteful destination, to tack on as the beach break during trips to Bangkok or Singapore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Despite the quick start, Vegas did catch a major break on a fortunate bounce to cut the lead to 2-1, a goal that was credited to Shea Theodore.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • And some airports can turn the often necessary downtime into an experience worthy of the stop.
    Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
  • But White and Borsari have also been planning out the programming that will fill the downtime between fights.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The government still remains optimistic that the livestock lull is temporary.
    Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 4 June 2026
  • Lucia Cheng After an afternoon lull, more voters are stopping by to cast their ballots in Des Moines' Precinct 40, located at Central Presbyterian Church.
    Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Anthropic, one of OpenAI’s top competitors, has proposed mechanisms for coordinating pauses on advanced AI development if systems become too powerful.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • Located in the city's dynamic tech district, Whitefield, The Den Bengaluru seamlessly bridges heritage and innovation, offering an environment where guests can move seamlessly between focused work, casual connection, and moments of pause.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, the tech giants and others in the industry are looking for ways to cut costs, including through layoffs.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • This was building up and the layoffs [of Simon and others] is just what sparked it.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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