ellipsis

[ih-lip-sis] / ɪˈlɪp sɪs /

NOUN

figure of speech

Synonyms

WEAK

adumbration allegory alliteration allusion analogue analogy anaphora anticlimax antistrophe antithesis aposiopesis apostrophe asyndeton bathos comparison conceit device echoism euphemism euphuism exaggeration expression flourish flower hyperbole image imagery irony litotes malapropism manner of speaking metaphor metonymy onomatopoeia ornament oxymoron parable paradox parallel personification proteron rhetoric sarcasm satire simile stylistic device synecdoche trope tropology turn of phrase understatement way of speaking

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.

Though the title jams everybody together in one breathless, unpunctuated rush, this is very much a movie about distance within families; an ellipsis between each word might have been apt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

Roberts created it with an ellipsis that edited out the actual law and created what can only be seen as a deliberate misapplication of precedent.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

His comedic rhythm feels like a throwback, with a lot of zingers and jokes that rely on audience laughter as a sort of ellipsis between punchlines.

From New York Times • Sep. 28, 2023

The game is an ellipsis between moments, running constantly in the background of my life.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2022

Olly: does the ellipsis mean we're having an awkward silence or that you're thinking?

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

Vocabulary lists containing ellipsis

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Punctuation Matters

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

ASVAB Word Knowledge

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!