Definitions

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.

A pause, then Dr. Wong continued, “What are your plans after that?”

From Salon

The government said last week that election activities would be paused while authorities address the fire and its aftermath.

From The Wall Street Journal

Oil jumped after OPEC+ confirmed it will stick with plans to pause production hikes during the first quarter, citing lower seasonal demand.

From Barron's

OPEC+ confirmed a pause on oil production hikes for the first quarter of 2026 due to expected weaker market conditions.

From Barron's

pause

Example Sentences

Related Words