Thesaurus results for TIME-OUT

time-out

noun

ˈtīm-ˈau̇t

Definition of time-out

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

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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 structured time-out catches the escalation window before the body takes over. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 The move, effectively a brief legal time-out, will allow an appeals court panel time to consider equities on both sides of the dispute before considering whether or not to invalidate the tariffs while litigation continues. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 12 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for time-out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out

Noun

Russia's heavy bombardment of the power grid ahead of winter has been an annual feature of the war, aimed at wearing down Ukraine's appetite for the fight by denying civilians heat and running water.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
The same may not prove true of utility costs where many rate hikes remain pending and a tough winter could cause further spikes.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of winter

Noun

The league has agreed to an extended All-Star break to accommodate the Olympics, but MLB also could tire of waiting for the union to agree with LA28, which badly wants MLB players to participate.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of break

Noun

Zoomlion’s research and development team in China worked remotely with engineers in Türkiye to diagnose issues and support maintenance, aiming to limit downtime.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
That downtime consists of school drop-offs, volunteering for lunch duty at his kids’ school, coaching his son’s flag-football team and honing his skills on the grill.

— Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of downtime

Noun

Still, multiple lobbyists tell me that a flurry of regulator activity has prompted an increase in advocacy for some despite a year that has been otherwise marked by a lull in major legislative activity ahead of the election.

— Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
The upshot of this is that George, who works the room in a sharp gray suit, a few tattoos peeking out, has plenty of opportunities to charismatically make things right, shaking hands and clasping shoulders and sending over lull-filling drinks.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of lull

Noun

While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of pause

Noun

And how is Wall Street reacting to management commentary about the streaming giant’s outlook and largest layoffs in years, including the exit of film head Dan Lin and the replacement of chief content officer Bela Bajaria with Peter Rice?

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
The return to office changes come just a day after a report suggested Microsoft was planning to announce further Xbox layoffs this month, and in November and January.

— Tom Warren, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of layoff

Browse Nearby Words

timely

time-out

time-outs

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Style

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of time-out

noun

Example Sentences

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