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
  • Able to block out the frigid rays of cold winters and the staggering heat of Southern summers, these thermal curtains can help homeowners achieve the ideal home temperature.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The strongest precipitation signal in El Niño winters occurs in the February and March timeframe, Rosencrans said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At the time, prosecutors said the two guards shopped online, took breaks, and napped instead of checking Epstein’s cell every 30 minutes as required.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Ultrawealthy buyers are now securing spots on private waitlists months—or even years—before a home breaks ground.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In addition to listing tasks and meetings, add goals to a daily schedule, which can keep remote workers motivated to continue working during lulls in the workday.
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
  • And not have lulls at this point.
    Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This prevents the blockages that cause breathing pauses.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Over time, such pauses can cause corrosion and structural damage that needs to be repaired before operations can fully resume.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The milestone comes amid staff layoffs, a federal shutdown, and administration directives to remove historical content from park displays.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • And several major tech companies have attributed mass layoffs to AI.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 13 Mar. 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
  • Iran has reasons to limit the trade interruptions.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Brent, the global benchmark, may climb further in the days ahead after the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait started reducing oil production amid a near-closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, adding to interruptions affecting worldwide energy supply and exports.
    Christine Burke, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 2026.

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