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.

Historically, road trips could offer some respite from soaring prices, but this won’t be the case.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 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

The firm rotates pickers through different materials every 20 minutes, and I could see the belt is stopped periodically for respite.

From BBC • May 4, 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

Eumaios’ narrowed eyes made out an empty bench beside the one the carver used—that servant who had no respite, carving for the suitors.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

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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