time-out

noun

ˈtīm-ˈau̇t How to pronounce time-out (audio)
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
  1. winter
  2. break
  3. downtime
  4. lull
  5. pause
  6. layoff
Noun
  • The Boise Airport will have a daily seasonal direct flight to Honolulu only available during the winter months.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026
  • In the first room, a hulking pair of Nazi overboots, used by German infantry to guard against frigid Russian winters during World War II, serves as the centerpiece of a display on the symbolism of footwear.
    — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of winter
Noun
  • According to the laws of the game, the break between halves should be no longer than 15 minutes but FIFA has been quite vague about the rules for this particular tournament.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • The Liberty were unable to find much offensive success after the break.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of break
Noun
  • Singer Jon Anderson, guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White all spent the downtime cutting solo albums.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2026
  • This year’s schedule has 84 games instead of 82 but without a three-week Olympic break, isn’t as compressed, allowing teams that travel extensively like the Sharks a bit more downtime between games.
    — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of downtime
Noun
  • Parties have exploited lulls in fighting to buy time, rebuild capabilities and consolidate political or territorial gains ahead of the next round of conflict.
    — Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
  • Oceanfront has long been treated as the aristocrat of waterfront living, prized for its horizon lines, lull of the tide and powerful symbolism of standing where land gives way.
    — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of lull
Noun
  • In a text message to the Star-Telegram, Crain argued the pause would give Fort Worth the opportunity to create a framework that could serve as a model for other cities confronting similar challenges.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
  • The move follows an inspector general audit urging a pause on new deployments and contracts until enforceable privacy, security and oversight rules are in place.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • Brands are hiring cautiously after layoffs and restructurings; rising graduate numbers are vastly outweighing entry-level job openings; and AI is rapidly reshaping hiring across industries.
    — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026
  • Largely due to layoffs and resignations, the agency has lost more than 3,000 employees, or more than a quarter of its workforce.
    — Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of layoff

Browse Nearby Words

timely
time-out
time-outs
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Cite this Entry

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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