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Showing results for pause. Search instead for pause/2.
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.

Still, a closer examination of Friday’s jobs report already reveals some concerning indicators that should give the bulls some pause.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Part of the problem was NASA’s announcement External link that it would pause its Gateway project, a space station orbiting the moon.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

However, the firm was forced to temporarily pause production in Solihull at the end of last month because of a parts issue involving a supplier.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

The financial world is taking a Good Friday pause.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Stacy didn't even pause to think about the answer.

From "Pony Problems: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #3" by Carolyn Keene

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.