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.

“It’s much easier to pause monthly stock market savings than it is to stop paying a mortgage,” deRitis said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Manchester's growth should give pause for thought to much of the rest of the country.

From BBC

There is a lack of confidence here among all parties — you, your boyfriend and his parents — that gives me pause.

From MarketWatch

Its broader programs and administrative support are largely pausing, with personnel being furloughed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Speaking on the red carpet at the London premiere, he looked a bit startled and paused for a period, before answering: "Yes. Yes."

From BBC