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.

That triggered another round of Iranian missiles, before Tehran announced it would cease fire.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

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

The bar says the firm refused to remove McBratney’s name from its website for years despite a cease and desist letter.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

The performer said the Patagonia trademark lawsuit amounted to its CEO Ryan Gellert and other executives deciding that "I must cease to exist".

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Zeitoun, exhausted, would rest against the bow, watching the fish slowly cease their struggles.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Vocabulary lists containing cease

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act II

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Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

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Unit 1: Telling Details

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