ceasefire

noun

cease·​fire ˈsēs-ˈfi(-ə)r How to pronounce ceasefire (audio)
variants or less commonly cease-fire
plural ceasefires also cease-fires
Synonyms of ceasefire
1
: a military order to cease firing
2
: a suspension of active hostilities

Synonyms of ceasefire

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Examples of ceasefire in a Sentence

the two armies declared a ceasefire for the holiday
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hamas’ statement made no mention of disarmament, one of the key requirements under the second phase of the ceasefire deal, which the group has so far refused. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 The Houthis had backed off any attacks on shipping in the Red Sea since Israel and Hamas came to a ceasefire to end their two-year war last fall. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 July 2026 Militants have carried out shooting attacks against Israeli troops in Gaza, and five Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire. — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 At the height of the war, before an April ceasefire, Israel had targeted top leaders, in at least one case likely using their public appearance to fix their position. — Nasser Karimi, Fortune, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceasefire

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceasefire was in 1844

Rhymes for ceasefire

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Browse Nearby Words

cease and desist order
ceasefire
ceaseless
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Cite this Entry

“Ceasefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceasefire. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cease-fire

noun
ˈsēs-ˈfī(ə)r
: a temporary stopping of warfare

More from Merriam-Webster on ceasefire

Nglish: Translation of ceasefire for Spanish Speakers

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