pause

[pawz] / pɔz /

NOUN

wait, delay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

breathing space halt hesitation hiatus hitch interlude intermission interruption interval lapse layoff letup lull recess respite stoppage suspension

STRONG

abeyance break caesura cessation comma cutoff deadlock discontinuance downtime freeze gap gridlock hesitancy hush interim interregnum lacuna rest stand standstill stay stillness stopover

WEAK

breakoff breathing spell coffee break happy hour pausation postponement rest period time out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continuation continuity go start

STRONG

action activity advance

WEAK

persistence

VERB

wait, delay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hesitate interrupt shake waver

STRONG

cease deliberate desist discontinue drop halt reflect rest sideline suspend

WEAK

break it up call time catch one's breath come to standstill hold back put on hold stop briefly take a break take a breather take five take ten think twice

Antonyms

STRONG

carry on continue do go keep on restart rise

WEAK

persist

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.

Still, a closer examination of Friday’s jobs report already reveals some concerning indicators that should give the bulls some pause.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

France and farmers groups are pushing for a pause in the application of the EU's carbon border tax on fertilisers.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Here is what’s worth streaming during April and which services to play, pause or stop.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

"I knew that I wanted to take time to pause and live my life," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

I pause and then add, “Outside, so you won’t hear me.”

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan

pause

Example Sentences

Related Words