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

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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 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 That’s with two new coaches in the league, including one new coach who never called a time-out. Brian Robin, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 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 With the duel tied at 88-88, the Aces called time-out with five seconds left. Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • Fireplaces are stocked with fragrant piñon wood, making winter stays especially cozy, while silk covers conceal TVs and handmade Le Creuset dishware keep modern amenities from disrupting the mood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Like everyone in Colorado, officials at Vail Resorts are hoping for a snowy winter with lots of powder for skiers and snowboarders.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Champions League draw is only days away — and fans don’t have long to wait for international football’s return, either, with a bumper break from September 21 to October 6.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Only five are men, and the majority come solo, looking either for a mini break or a health reset.
    Johanna Wolfe, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The trick is making downtime count without forcing productivity for its own sake.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Anne just celebrated her 76th birthday on August 15, and hopefully took some downtime with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Once, in the blessed era before the 24/7 news cycle and the omnipresence of social media, there was a lull in the months after the primary, with campaign activities picking back up around Labor Day.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But hawks on both sides are already casting this lull as an opportunity for both countries to hone their weapons for the next fight.
    GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Another arguably bigger factor is the return of student debt payments and credit bureau reporting after a Covid-era pause.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • There was a pause, as a room full of songwriters — the event was specifically for the Recording Academy’s Songwriters & Composers Wing — erupted into laughter.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Walter’s decision came less than three months after the Lakers conducted a series of layoffs in an effort to integrate the franchise into Walter’s organization.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The layoff toll in Weston is 181 people from staff-level employees such as clerks, drivers and analysts to upper-echelon executives including vice presidents and directors.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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