Definition of time-outnext
as in winter
a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness we need to take a time-out from our relationship to think things over

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 time-out You might be caught up trying to nurture someone (or something) while secretly needing a time-out for yourself. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 Those employees can send emails with responsible gaming information, put players in time-out, set deposit limits and, in some cases, ban them from the app, Fox said. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026 The move, effectively a brief legal time-out, will allow an appeals court panel time to consider equities on both sides of the dispute before considering whether or not to invalidate the tariffs while litigation continues. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 12 May 2026 The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) said new regulations involving the use of time-out go into effect in August 2026. Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • Last winter was the second-warmest on record, according to the city’s ordinance, with record low snowpack almost everywhere.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
  • As Norway has advanced in the World Cup, the atmosphere has grown more frenzied in the country than even during a summer or winter Olympics, Tufte said.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 1 July 2026
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
Noun
  • Mindful downtime, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or reading instead of screen time, promotes better sleep and mental quiet.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • In the years since, the stars have hung out together at awards shows and other formal industry events while also enjoying downtime away from the spotlight.
    Michael Nied, InStyle, 4 July 2026
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
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
Noun
  • Several major companies including Amazon, Meta and Salesforce have announced layoffs tied to AI adoption.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • While some attribute layoffs to post-pandemic corrections, not solely AI, the true test is whether these leaner structures can effectively foster internal leadership development.
    Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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