elapse

verb

i-ˈlaps How to pronounce elapse (audio)
Definition of elapsenext
as in to expire
to come to an end in those coin-operated binoculars at scenic areas your viewing time seems to elapse almost before it has begun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of elapse But according to hearing testimony, approximately 29 minutes elapsed between the confrontation inside the store and the fatal shooting. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 International search-and-rescue brigades began arriving in force only on Friday, roughly a day and a half after the buildings fell, swelling into the thousands across the weekend; by then much of the critical seventy-two-hour window had elapsed. — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Hair follicle testing confirmed exposure to sedative-hypnotic drugs, but surveillance footage was destroyed after the hotel’s 30-day retention period elapsed before her preservation request could be honored. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026 During the state’s last execution by nitrogen gas, 30 minutes elapsed between Anthony Boyd exhibiting signs of being impacted by the gas and state officials closing the curtain to the viewing room to signal the execution was complete. — Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elapse
  1. expire
  2. stop
  3. end
  4. cease
  5. conclude
  6. halt
  7. lapse
  8. pass
Verb
  • Unlike the federal tax credits that expired in September, these incentives offer an instant discount and don’t require buyers to apply for credit later.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • After that agreement expires, the government and Estrada may extend that on an annual basis.
    — Sofi Zeman July 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of expire
Verb
  • When there was a pause in the action, referee Raphael Claus stopped the match to look at VAR to determine whether Balogun committed a foul worthy of a red card.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Making new friends isn’t something that has to stop at a certain point in your life.
    — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Despite an energized crowd, the US fell short against Belgium 4-1, ending a wild run for the host country.
    — Doug Duran, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Romelu Lukaku scored the fourth goal just at the end of stoppage time, and ending the USMNT’s dreams.
    — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of end
Verb
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment, the largest video game company in the world by direct revenue, will reportedly cease production of physical discs for its formidable library of games for the PlayStation console.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • Founder David DeHaney, who set up the company in 2016, announced the decision to cease trading and appoint an administrator on Thursday.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 2 July 2026
Definition of cease
Verb
  • The region’s air quality alerts associated with the Fourth of July concluded Sunday afternoon.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • After the hearing concludes, state District Judge Tony Graf must determine if the case should proceed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Definition of conclude
Verb
  • In past years, Disneyland has halted the Anaheim resident deal before the official end of the promotion.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 July 2026
  • In a March letter to the state, 11 board members called for the program to be halted, citing the risks of automatically renewing medicines that can have side effects or drug interactions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Is gas still moving through the Tabriz-Ankara corridor at material volumes in mid-July, after the contract lapses?
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Since his status lapsed, Ortega started a GoFundMe in case his renewal doesn’t come in time for the new semester.
    — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Definition of lapse
Verb
  • The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of pass

Browse Nearby Words

élan vital
elapse
elapsed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elapse. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elapse

Nglish: Translation of elapse for Spanish Speakers

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