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.

Because amid frustration and anger, booksellers support learning, organizing and respite.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

The respite was short lived however as a cyberattack forced Jaguar Land Rover to halt production for more than a month, leading to a hit of £196 million.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Historically, road trips could offer some respite from soaring prices, but this won’t be the case.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Government figures show people in the Great Yarmouth area are accessing debt respite services much more than elsewhere in Norfolk and the rest of the country.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

The reformers, Gold writes: strove for ways to reduce time spent studying, because long periods of respite could save the mind from injury.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

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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