Definitions

respite

[res-pit] / ˈrɛs pɪt /

NOUN

pause, suspension in activity

Synonyms

STRONGEST

breather breathing space downtime hiatus interruption layoff letup lull recess relaxation relief reprieve truce

STRONG

acquittal adjournment break breath cessation deadlock deferment delay deliverance discharge ease exculpation five forgiveness halt immunity intermission interregnum interval leisure moratorium pardon postponement protraction release rest stay stop ten time

WEAK

coffee break time out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continuation

STRONG

advance beginning blame censure commencement employment go hold punishment sentence start

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.

Storms brought some respite overnight, particularly in France after several days of temperatures close to 40C.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

“Parents get to relax while their children dig around in the sand. White-collar and blue-collar workers alike get a respite from their jobs.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

Parisians have been seeking respite from the heat by taking a dip in the Canal St Martin.

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

The upcoming heat wave should bring a respite from “June Gloom”— the ocean clouds and fog that are typical this time of year — although the familiar marine-layer grayness may soon return.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

Jealousy had got hold of him: she stung him; but the sting was salutary: it gave him respite from the gnawing fang of melancholy.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Vocabulary lists containing respite

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

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List 4

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"The Raven"

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