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.

The respite was short lived however as a cyberattack forced Jaguar Land Rover to halt production for more than a month, leading to a hit of £196 million.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Oil prices fell sharply on Wednesday on rising hopes of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, offering a potential respite for weary consumers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

This will effectively give you some temporary respite before you bite the traditional bullet.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Government figures show people in the Great Yarmouth area are accessing debt respite services much more than elsewhere in Norfolk and the rest of the country.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

But this time as I thought of him a gentle calm settled over me, pushing away the shame and hurt as though spiriting me away for a healing respite.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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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