respite

[res-pit] / ˈrɛs pɪt /

NOUN

pause, suspension in activity

Synonyms

STRONGEST

breather breathing space downtime hiatus interruption layoff letup lull recess relaxation relief reprieve truce

STRONG

acquittal adjournment break breath cessation deadlock deferment delay deliverance discharge ease exculpation five forgiveness halt immunity intermission interregnum interval leisure moratorium pardon postponement protraction release rest stay stop ten time

WEAK

coffee break time out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continuation

STRONG

advance beginning blame censure commencement employment go hold punishment sentence start

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.

Negotiators were taking a respite Monday morning after a Sunday mediation session that lasted from about 10 a.m. till about 9:30 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

More recently, mortgage rates, after a respite in January and February, rose significantly in the wake of the war in Iran.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

BBC Scotland News has seen correspondence which shows NHS Lothian is considering closing one of two respite homes in Livingston and Edinburgh due to severe financial pressures.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Miles of landscaped running and biking trails offer a rare respite from the urban churn beyond the gates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

At the instant’s respite the old man sank upon the ground and the little boys lay down in the dust, heedless of the feet trampling everywhere about them.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

Vocabulary lists containing respite

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe

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List 4

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"The Raven"

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