respite

noun

Definition of respitenext
as in break
a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant or when something difficult or unpleasant stops or is delayed The weekend provided a nice respite from the pressures of her job. a temporary respite

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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 respite In a time when many European destinations feel a bit too popular and pricey, the Balkans are a welcome respite. — Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 26 June 2026 But the men were showered with glass all the same, a reminder that the fortified city that for years has offered troops a respite from combat has come into range for the Kremlin’s artillery and air strikes. — Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 27 June 2026 Summer hosting season means a lot more time spent occupying your outdoor space, and the best patio umbrellas meet the occasion by gently offering respite against the blazing sun. — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2026 Also south of downtown, but closer to the Mississippi, Minnehaha Regional Park offers a shady respite anchored by its namesake 53-foot waterfall (and on-site seasonal seafood shack, Sea Salt). — Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for respite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respite
  1. break
  2. pause
  3. lull
  4. restfulness
Noun
  • Mauney, widely seen as the best rider of his generation and someone who braved the hardest bulls to ride, had to retire in 2023 after a neck break on a bull called Arctic Assassin.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes might pitch on the Sunday before the All-Star break, which would make Sánchez a logical choice.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of break
Noun
  • The stock has eased slightly since then to around $171, a normal pause after such a steep run, and the level to watch is whether that old $130 breakout zone holds if the pullback extends.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Packages flow directly from dock doors into scanning, identification and stacking—with no pauses, no handoffs and no redesigns.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • But just when there seemed to be a lull in all things Taylor-Travis, the couple hit some major milestones.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Getty Images There are lulls on the PGA Tour calendar, and this is one of those heading into the John Deere Classic this weekend.
    — Jeff Hartman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of lull
Noun
  • The proof was in my Oura ring sleep score—96% and optimal restfulness.
    — Brianna Peters, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    — Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Definition of restfulness

Browse Nearby Words

respiring
respite
resplendence
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on respite

Nglish: Translation of respite for Spanish Speakers

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