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Definitions

pause

[pawz] / pɔz /
NOUN
wait, delay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
breathing space halt hesitation hiatus hitch interlude intermission interruption interval lapse layoff letup lull recess respite stoppage suspension
STRONG
abeyance break caesura cessation comma cutoff deadlock discontinuance downtime freeze gap gridlock hesitancy hush interim interregnum lacuna rest stand standstill stay stillness stopover
WEAK
breakoff breathing spell coffee break happy hour pausation postponement rest period time out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continuation continuity go start
STRONG
action activity advance
WEAK
persistence
VERB
wait, delay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hesitate interrupt shake waver
STRONG
cease deliberate desist discontinue drop halt reflect rest sideline suspend
WEAK
break it up call time catch one's breath come to standstill hold back put on hold stop briefly take a break take a breather take five take ten think twice
Antonyms
STRONG
carry on continue do go keep on restart rise
WEAK
persist

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.

A moratorium signals uncertainty to companies deciding where to build, and in a fast-moving sector, even a temporary pause can redirect projects permanently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Air China restarted direct flights between the two capitals last week, ending a six-year pause initiated by the pandemic.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“As a result, markets are likely to treat this as a pause rather than a resolution.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Lars Jensen from Vespucci Maritime says companies will want reassurances on how vessels can transit safely, and he doesn't believe the two-week pause will be enough to restore trust.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

She was the only operator in the room and her hands were flying, connecting one call after another with no pause in between.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse