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Definitions

cooling-off period

NOUN
ceasefire agreement
Synonyms
WEAK
armistice olive branch peace stand-down truce
NOUN
delay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lag moratorium postponement problem setback stoppage suspension wait
STRONG
adjournment bind check cunctation dawdling demurral detention discontinuation downtime filibuster hindrance holding impediment interval jam lingering logjam loitering obstruction procrastination prorogation remission reprieve retardation showstopper stall stay stop surcease tarrying tie up
WEAK
hangup holding pattern holdup putting off retardment
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continuation
STRONG
advance aid assistance beginning go help liberation promotion support
WEAK
dispatch expedition furtherance hastening hurry rush speed
NOUN
retardation
Synonyms
STRONG
adjournment bind check cunctation dawdling demurral detainment detention discontinuation downtime filibuster hindrance holdup impediment interval jam lag lingering logjam moratorium obstruction postponement problem procrastination prorogation remission reprieve setback showstopper stall stay stop stoppage surcease suspension tie up wait
WEAK
hangup holding pattern loitering putting off retardment tarrying
Antonyms
STRONG
advance aid assistance beginning boon boost continuation go help liberation promotion start support

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.

Depending on the answer, it might be time for a cooling-off period.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

After four of them, there was a brief pause, or a cooling-off period with little movement, before the index, and the broader stock market, made a higher high.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025

However good it started out, the relationship between Rogen and Franco had a noticeable cooling-off period.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2024

US presidents can intervene in labour disputes that threaten national security or safety by imposing an 80-day cooling-off period, forcing workers back on the job while negotiations continue.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2024

Kennedy requested a cooling-off period, but the freedom riders would not listen.

From The Black Experience in America by Coombs, Norman