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.

This will effectively give you some temporary respite before you bite the traditional bullet.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

More recently, mortgage rates, after a respite in January and February, rose significantly in the wake of the war in Iran.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Located between the Sahara tent and the Do Lab, the Bunker is a gigantic subterranean cavern with room for 300 or so people — a dark and cool respite from the blazing Indio sun.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Stocks saw some respite in the early days of April, ending last week with gains.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

From Olive, though, there was no respite, and to escape from her, I hid.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Vocabulary lists containing respite

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 4

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"The Raven"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!