Definitions

cease

[sees] / sis /

VERB

stop, conclude

Synonyms

STRONGEST

break off desist discontinue fail halt quit refrain terminate

STRONG

close culminate die drop end finish intermit stay surcease

WEAK

back off bring to an end call it a day call it quits close out come to an end cut it out give over knock off leave off pack in quit cold turkey shut down wind up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

begin carry on complete continue do persevere restart start

STRONG

bear commence create open

WEAK

go initiate keep on

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.

After recent strikes, President Trump reportedly asked Israel to end attacks; both Israel and Iran agreed to cease direct operations.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Iberostar said it would cease operating 12 hotels in Cuba “as part of an effort to adapt to the international regulatory environment.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Becerra’s campaign called the ad defamatory in a cease and desist letter sent to the Steyer campaign on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

The New York Times reported Sunday that the U.S. and Iran agreed in principle to cease hostilities and fully reopen the strait, with the issue of Iran’s nuclear materials to be negotiated later.

From MarketWatch • May 24, 2026

This magic will cease to operate the moment that Harry turns seventeen; in other words, at the moment he becomes a man.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing cease

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act II

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Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

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Unit 1: Telling Details

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