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 In any other circumstance, I would have been flustered, embarrassed, and ready to drag her out of there and straight into a time-out. Staff Author, Parents, 5 May 2025 Later flights and those from smaller airports are more susceptible to crew time-out issues. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 May 2025 The Lakers were up by one again, with just three seconds left, and the Bulls had no time-outs. Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025 For instance, time-out reminders, focus modes and little nudges to take breaks can make a difference. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • Despite its latitude, winters are milder than expected, averaging 39°F (4°C) from December to February.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • In late winter to early spring, carpenter ants swarm to mate and start new colonies.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Elsewhere, a late summer to late spring schedule is the norm—though several European leagues require multi-week winter breaks to avoid the worst temperatures.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • Quiet and largely seasonably pleasant weather will settle across the Kansas City area on Tuesday, giving the metro a break from the heat and storms of the past few days, according to the National Weather Service.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, passion for work was shown to be positively related to engaging in mastery and control experiences during downtime.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Produced by Omar El Kadi) After break-up, Assia seeks downtime with her family which has just opened a restaurant in Spain.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • In the depths of life’s lulls, it was forgotten, left in a bun for days, dry, untouched.
    Sophie Meharenna, Allure, 2 July 2025
  • Allocations will be adjusted dynamically with gold exposure increasing during crypto market downturns, and bitcoin exposure increasing when gold is in a lull period.
    Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Republican leaders and tech industry groups have argued that a multiyear pause on state-level AI regulation is essential to giving U.S. companies the space to innovate and maintain an edge over China.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • California’s largest public sector union secured a one-year pause to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office order just days before state workers are expected to begin working in person four days a week.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The Accenture team did not explore whether resilience was achievable through contingent or gig workforces that could reduce the boom-bust cycles and demoralizing effects of layoffs.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • In March, Audacy conducted a broad round of layoffs, cutting about 200 employees across divisions.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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