as in to hesitate
to come to a temporary halt in one's activity
he paused for a moment to regain his composure
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lull
a momentary halt in an activity
there was a brief pause for applause in her speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action
the question caught the professor off guard, and there was a pause before he responded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pause
The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Each panelist paused upon hearing this complex talking point.
—Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The Google adtech decision was initially set to be unveiled on Monday, but EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič urged a pause over concerns that the announcement could scuttle ongoing trade discussions with the US government.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
Verb
But a hamstring injury paused the first baseman’s second-half hot streak.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Each panelist paused upon hearing this complex talking point.
—Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
Coming off back to back Hollywood blockbusters, Jonathan Bailey is ready to press pause on acting.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The Google adtech decision was initially set to be unveiled on Monday, but EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič urged a pause over concerns that the announcement could scuttle ongoing trade discussions with the US government.
—Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pause
Verb
-
In Larsen’s view, striking at the right moment - whether in blockchain, AI, or precision medicine - requires not only patience but also the courage to act decisively when others hesitate.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Some executives hesitated, unsure of what to expect.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But after that moment, the Bills hit a massive lull.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The show hit another peak after a mid-set lull, which Liam valiantly tried to shake off with stories, jokes, and playful crowd banter — a side of him more familiar offstage than on.—
Lily Moayeri,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That hesitation quickly fled when the mask began to dry and tighten on the skin.—
Abby Dupes,
StyleCaster,
5 Sep. 2025
-
So is the hesitation, the concern for consequence, and the mid-match questioning of how she is supposed to play.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The new 12-night journey will launch in the summer of 2027 aboard the company's ice-breaking Le Commandant Charcot ship and is purposely designed to meet demand for a shorter cruise that still celebrates polar exploration, Ponant shared with Travel + Leisure.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While the head coach has been a breath of fresh air from a culture perspective, that aspect will only go so far if the team continues to lose week in and week out.—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Focus on body sensations, breath and presence without attempting to initiate contact.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
My main hesitancy is the baby registry.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Inundated with protests and newfound hesitancy following the Three Mile Island accident in Pennsylvania, the company ceased construction a year later.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Dillinger’s vehicle went into the water in a brief, two-year interruption in the lake’s longer-term decline.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Construction at the site, which stretches over 3,000 acres, has been suspended, but there was no interruption at the adjacent EV manufacturing facility.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This history of volatility, paired with a high stock price, contributes to investor hesitance.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Their hesitance comes in the wake of executive orders targeting some of the country’s most powerful law firms, which have split between fighting the orders and compliance agreements.—
Lluvia Gaucin,
IndyStar,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pause. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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