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Showing results for pause. Search instead for pausen.
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.

The pause would give Maine time to assess the risks to the environment and the electric grid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Unity Alliance said the decision to pause the fighting "reflects a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity, even in the context of ongoing conflict".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

CarMax bought back $630 million in stock last year, but opted to pause with $1.3 billion left on its current buyback authorization.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

“If you’re not sure,” said Gallegos, “you want to pause and make sure.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

I pause on the porch, allowing the heat to soak into my skin, but a handful of pesky mosquitos start buzzing around me.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Vocabulary lists containing pause

The Best Starting Words for Wordle

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"Thank You, M'am"

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"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson

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