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 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 The regulation, which underwent a public comment period in March, updates the definition of time-out and use of seclusion — aiming to keep students safe from a practice advocates say can be traumatic for vulnerable students. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 26 June 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
  • The New York Mets missed the postseason last year and have some big decisions to make this winter.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Finding the perfect dress to match her winter wedding was important to her to honor the couple’s mountain winter wedding in Sun Valley, Idaho.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Minnesota led 71-54 at the halftime break.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Hoover settled down as the game wore on and led TCU on a scoring drive after the halftime break.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Emcee During downtime, Bill Sindelar was tasked with emcee duties and kept spirits high.
    Haley Kluge, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
  • By day there are parades, rat control events, and grand juries to attend, but night is when the mayor comes alive, at crypto coin launch events, sweaty outer borough raves sponsored by a new credit card, and downtime at his pad in Fort Lee.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There was a lull on the other end.
    Robbie Robertson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
  • He was asked about the lulls in practice last week, but the 21-year-old noted that the vibes on Sunday were noticeably off as well.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
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
  • The modest pace of hiring, alongside a series of high-profile layoff announcements from major companies, helps explain why consumers remain pessimistic about the labor market.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • There's a lot of headlines in the news lately about layoffs.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

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