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
Relevance
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
Today was to be the start of the second week of congestion pricing, which was due to begin last Sunday at midnight before Gov. Hochul called for a time-out.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 July 2024
In an operating room, for example, anyone can call a time-out.
—Caitlin Rivers, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024
All overhead Caitlin Clark discourse can use a time-out.
—Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 June 2024
As the story progresses, Muffin steals her dad’s phone after she’s put in time-out for hogging the table.
—Vanessa Armstrong, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for time-out 
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 July 2024
In an operating room, for example, anyone can call a time-out.
—Caitlin Rivers, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024
All overhead Caitlin Clark discourse can use a time-out.
—Sean Gregory, TIME, 10 June 2024
As the story progresses, Muffin steals her dad’s phone after she’s put in time-out for hogging the table.
—Vanessa Armstrong, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
-
Rare winter storms have not only caused alligator brumation in Texas, but have also brought uncommon snow to Florida and Louisiana.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Our top picks include figurative candles shaped like cake, summer scents to whisk you away from winter, and unique bubble glass holders.—
Kaitlin Gates,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Rising costs:Why Americans paid so much more for health care in 2024 Need a break?—
Sriparna Roy,
USA TODAY,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Cool down after workouts, take adequate breaks between training sessions and get enough sleep.—
Dana Santas,
CNN,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Instead of leaving downtime or machine failure up to chance, predictive maintenance tools allow manufacturers to get ahead of potential delays and damages, saving them both time and money.—
Bill Rokos,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Working parents may not be able to carve out the time needed for things like unstructured play or simply enjoying downtime with their kids.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Their bond feels palpably warm and realistic, a comforting lull that Salles is tempting the audience into.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The beer, spirits and wine industries were already prepared for a continued lull in sales for 2025, then came the U.S. surgeon general's call for cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages.—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Democrats have raged over the order, with James announcing a plan to halt the pause, which is slated to be enacted by 5 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday.—
Jack Birle,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Jan. 2025
-
The Department of State announced this pause on Sunday.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The layoffs come after the company scrapped its U.S. fact-checking program and reduced curbs on discussions around contentious topics such as immigration and gender identity.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA TODAY,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Increasing layoffs with seemingly no end paint a bleak picture for devs, while companies are busy pumping money into AI initiatives.—
Megan Farokhmanesh,
WIRED,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near time-out
Cite this Entry
“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share