Definitions

cease

[sees] / sis /

VERB

stop, conclude

Synonyms

STRONGEST

break off desist discontinue fail halt quit refrain terminate

STRONG

close culminate die drop end finish intermit stay surcease

WEAK

back off bring to an end call it a day call it quits close out come to an end cut it out give over knock off leave off pack in quit cold turkey shut down wind up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

begin carry on complete continue do persevere restart start

STRONG

bear commence create open

WEAK

go initiate keep on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Iberostar said it would cease operating 12 hotels in Cuba “as part of an effort to adapt to the international regulatory environment.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

He was given a cease and desist notice and details about previous court cases which had seen defendants receiving custodial sentences.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

The New York Times reported Sunday that the U.S. and Iran agreed in principle to cease hostilities and fully reopen the strait, with the issue of Iran’s nuclear materials to be negotiated later.

From MarketWatch • May 24, 2026

The report said the US had also made clear it would only cease hostilities when Tehran engages in formal peace negotiations.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

“Alter Rosen, you never cease to surprise me.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Vocabulary lists containing cease

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act II

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Unit 1: Telling Details

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