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
  • In a winter filled with the unhappy buzz of screaming coaches and quitting players, a beautiful noise has appeared.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The jacket layers easily under a winter coat, works well on its own in spring and fall, and is water-resistant for surprise rain.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Others are fine with them, but still occasionally need a break.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Parker Kelly scored two goals and Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves for the Avalanche, who have won three straight and four of five since the Olympic break.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Many of the apps have since come back online after companies scrambled to migrate servers, but the downtime of services that many use daily highlights how digital infrastructure has become a strategic target.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
  • During one of those downtime periods, Jackson started playing pickleball with some fellow firefighters.
    Dominick Williams March 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Both teams had early goals before the game hit a scoring lull.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • So many terrible things happen that the reader develops a kind of flinch, bracing for the next calamity whenever there is a brief lull in the misery.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As the road flows into Missouri, plan a leg-stretching pause at Meramec Caverns in the leafy Ozarks.
    Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Denver’s mayor has already instituted a similar pause.
    Eric Schmidt, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mass layoffs in the tech industry started in 2022, after a hiring surge during the pandemic, when demand for online services increased as people were stuck at home.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • January’s stronger-than-expected total was likely buoyed by some one-time factors (notably, weaker holiday hiring that meant fewer post-holiday layoffs, and unseasonably warm weather in the early part of the month that boosted industries like construction).
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 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 Mar. 2026.

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