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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.

WASHINGTON—President Trump said Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a pause in military action in Ukraine during a phone call.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

That’s because even a short-term pause can have lasting effects underground, damaging reservoir pressure and increasing the risk of mechanical problems.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Fed officials are set to keep rates steady at a range between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent, extending their pause on rate cuts since the start of the year.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

As recently as late 2023, Musk was advocating for a pause in AI development.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Hearing my plan aloud and seeing the skeptical look on Mara’s face gave me pause.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

Vocabulary lists containing pause

The Best Starting Words for Wordle

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"Thank You, M'am"

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"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson

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