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Showing results for pause. Search instead for pausa.
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.

Previously, Nunley had issued a temporary restraining order to pause the merger.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Beijing hasn’t declared any exercises in the area, sparking a new aviation mystery following an unexplained pause in military flights around Taiwan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Some residents had been hoping that a change in federal leadership would put the warehouse plans on pause.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

France and farmers groups are pushing for a pause in the application of the EU's carbon border tax on fertilisers.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A long pause and then Miss Genovese speaks haltingly.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse