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

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 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) said new regulations involving the use of time-out go into effect in August 2026. Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 8 Apr. 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 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
  • State leaders recently created a task force to examine the growing threat, particularly after a winter with low snowfall and continuing drought conditions in many mountain communities.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • As all sides brace for a labor fight this winter, the solution remains uncertain.
    Cody Stavenhagen, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson have been subbed off in the 73rd minute, just after the players returned from the hydration break.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Summer schedules, school breaks and birthday parties all share one thing in common.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Team England trained with Sporting Kansas City earlier on Thursday and Kane was thrilled to get some downtime to catch a baseball game.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
  • The company’s method focuses on producing form, fit, and function compatible components that can be directly inserted into existing systems, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for full requalification in critical defense applications.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • But by Sunday morning, residents in southern Lebanon reported a lull in Israeli strikes.
    Victoria Eastwood, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • Intense fighting broke out on Friday morning after a relative lull in fighting following the announcement of the MOU.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • That pause is the whole story for anyone who holds an insurance policy, because some of the rules in the firing line decide how the algorithms that price your cover are allowed to behave.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • If someone urges you to splurge, smile, breathe, and pause.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Previously, the deficit had been estimated to total around $100 million, leading the school board in February to approve hundreds of layoffs and other spending cuts.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
  • On Thursday, university officials said the latest round of layoffs was a last resort, which mostly impacted administrative workers.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 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 26 Jun. 2026.

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