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 The unit can be awakened at any point during that time-out window by tapping the power button – which should return to the last used function. New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026 But what, or rather who, was in the containers continues to spark outrage due to claims that special needs children were placed in them during time-out sessions. James Powel, USA Today, 26 Dec. 2025 With the duel tied at 88-88, the Aces called time-out with five seconds left. Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Dec. 2025 What all those albums had in common was how those artists offered at least occasional time-outs from the trauma. Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • Here, people live and work—about 150 per week in summer and up to 42 in winter—in an elevated two-story steel compound, studying astrophysics, neutrinos, glaciers, climate change, and some of the cleanest air on Earth.
    Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026
  • From an under-the-radar trade acquisition last June to World Series hero by October, Klein spent the winter still energized by his four scoreless innings in Game 3 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Her youngest son Oliver, now 2, was born with a hole in his heart and needed surgery, sending her on a six-month social media break.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • That, more than anything else, is the lesson of this international break.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In his downtime, Jeremiah likes building with Legos, playing video games, singing, watching movies and going bowling.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Between meditation and sessions with facilitators, there wasn’t much downtime, but in quieter moments, Stem spent time journaling or walking in the forest.
    Natalia V. Osipova, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Signs of growing confidence began to emerge late last year as exit values picked up and cash distribution for investors started flowing again, encouraging private equity to resume preparations to launch new funds after a multiyear lull in activity.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Loose ends and compelling payoffs await after a subdued and slow-ish first frame that struggles with a balance between dark brooding and uneven lull.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • After a pause earlier this month to make way for the WGA talks, negotiation are set to pick up with the Sean Astin-run SAG-AFTRA in June, if not sooner.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Instead of plowing ahead with the current design, perhaps a pause is warranted.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Applications for unemployment benefits fell last week as layoffs remain sparse despite a softening labor market and rising energy costs due to the Iran war.
    Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • As a result, the company will cut 124 jobs, with the layoffs scheduled to take effect June 30.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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