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.

Respite and relief came from prayer, ritual and the traditional Sabbath meals and menus that Ms. Ziegelman conjures with care.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Respite for Les Bleus and from there on, they thundered home like champions.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025

Communications between CBP and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as communications with the Humanitarian Respite Center are also requested.

From Fox News • Feb. 9, 2022

At the end of February, Light landed Jackson a bed at Harborview’s Medical Respite program, a stopgap shelter next to the hospital doctors use so they don’t have to discharge patients directly to the street.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2022

The Foxe then counsel'd th'Ape for to require 325 Respite till morrow t'answere his desire: For times delay new hope of helpe still breeds.

From The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser, Volume 5 by Spenser, Edmund

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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