time-outs

Definition of time-outsnext
plural of time-out
as in winters
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-outs Run opposing guards into the ground, step on the gas harder, and force your opponents into spending catch-your-breath time-outs. Brian Robin, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-outs
Noun
  • As a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and even frost, DePaola explains, asparagus also thrives in areas with cool winters and warm summers.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026
  • Keep your region in mind as well, since these plants can do well in cold and damp winters.
    Jane Kim, The Spruce, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • His exit comes despite MNUFC having two more games before the entire MLS breaks for the World Cup.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
  • Your bank learns those patterns, and travel breaks all of them at once.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The quality, however, doesn’t make for a pleasant viewing experience, especially during lulls in the season like the one the Dodgers are currently battling through.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • Not all parts of the country seem to have the same pattern, although the data points to school breaks as relative lulls.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There are also sections called a Cup of Tea with Meg, conversational pauses that feel like sitting across from someone who is not trying to sell you anything.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • More often than not, the request gets the big kids’ attention, and chaos ceases (pauses) as the three of them roll around singing while Marc and I stand in the doorway kvelling.
    Risa Polansky Shiman, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The layoffs became the deliverable because the actual transformation work is the hard work.
    Julie Averill, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • The layoffs do not affect its coffeehouse employees.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The average response time for phone calls dropped to 6 minutes from 30 minutes in the prior fiscal year; field office wait times decreased to 23 minutes; and removal of online service downtimes has benefited an additional 125,000 users in a single week, according to the agency's findings.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Klaus talks to his sister in California on an elegant brass and Bakelite 1940s telephone (the props are divine throughout), complete with operator interruptions.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
  • Residents can generally expect to use household electrical appliances without interruptions, according to the company.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Time-outs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-outs. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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