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.

A winter respite from drought was all too brief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Negotiators were taking a respite Monday morning after a Sunday mediation session that lasted from about 10 a.m. till about 9:30 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

In the latest week ended on Wednesday, however, these customer holdings rose by $5 billion, indicating at least a respite in foreign official sales.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

This week’s sharp rebound in U.S. stocks is offering some welcome respite from the relentless selling that has rocked global markets over the past month.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Though I dislike the songs, it is music nevertheless, and it is something of a respite from the life I have been living.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

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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