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 The child who broke the toy would likely be yelled at and sent to time-out by the authoritarian parent without much conversation beyond that. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 Spock advised parents against scolding children, threatening them, punishing them, giving them time-outs, or shooting them cross looks. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • Then as now, the facilities shut down in the winter.
    Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Unlike most respiratory diseases like the common cold and flu, which generally peak during the winter, COVID-19 tends to spike twice and sometimes three times a year: once in the fall and winter, once in spring, and another time in the summer.
    Alice Park, Time, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The new onslaught comes after a bit of a break from last week’s sweltering spate of weather, and Mayor Adams issued a new warning.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 July 2025
  • But Shaw’s play since the All-Star break shouldn’t be ignored.
    Jared Wyllys, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Long hours, little pay, getting high in his downtime to decompress.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The couple's offseason adventures included a trip to Montana with pal Erin Andrews and friends, luxe dinner dates and downtime with friends.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • And far in the distance, whenever there's a lull in the party, an occasional cheer can be heard from Centre Court, less than a quarter-mile away — where some of these lucky campers will be watching world-class tennis the next day.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 10 July 2025
  • China’s electric vehicle juggernaut appeared to be easing in Europe but last month new data showed the lull was short-lived.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Decisions are made, the next task appears, and there’s little pause to examine what worked or what missed.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Even though no funding has been cut, Jackson condemned the administration, contending the effect of the pause is going to be massive and could result in North Carolina firing about 1,000 educators.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Trump has already cut the agency's workforce in half this year, and the Supreme Court on July 14 allowed more than 1,000 workers to stay fired while their layoffs are challenged in court.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • The funding freeze came just before the Supreme Court decision allowing President Donald Trump to continue with his plan to dismantle the Department of Education, beginning with the layoffs of well over 1,000 employees.
    Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 19 July 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 31 Jul. 2025.

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