truce

1 of 2

noun

ˈtrüs 

1

: a suspension of fighting especially of considerable duration by agreement of opposing forces : armistice, ceasefire

2

: a respite especially from a disagreeable or painful state or action

truce

2 of 2

verb

truced; trucing

intransitive verb

: to make a truce

transitive verb

: to end with a truce

Synonyms

Noun

• armistice
• cease-fire

Examples of truce in a Sentence

Noun

There's been an uneasy truce between her and her parents for the past several months.

both sides agreed to a 24-hour truce beginning at midnight on Christmas Eve

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The development highlights the fragile nature of the truce and the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the remaining hostages. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

The two reached a truce and made a pact of mutual destruction, which Dawn soon broke, spending the season trying to kill Owen as well as Lester who also discovered her secret. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025

Previous interventions led by Angola, including truce agreements, have failed to cease hostilities. —Nimi Princewill, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025

Even as the cease-fire in Gaza endured, Israel’s truce with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah appeared to be on shakier ground. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English trewes, plural of trewe agreement, from Old English trēow fidelity; akin to Old English trēowe faithful — more at true entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing truce

• break the truce
• flag of truce

Kids Definition

truce

noun

ˈtrüs

1

: a temporary stopping of fighting (as in a war)

2

: a short rest especially from something unpleasant