Synonyms for

Cease

Verb / si:s / Another word for cease — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to stop or come to an end

Synonyms & similar words

continue terminate giveup finish stop begin layoff discontinue quit end stop halt end finish terminate conclude suspend discontinue quit close desist forbear

Synonyms by register

Formal

discontinue terminate halt suspend

Informal

stop quit cut out knock off

Literary

desist abate forebear

Antonyms

begin start continue commence initiate proceed originate

Common collocations

  • cease fire
  • cease operations
  • cease production
  • cease trading
  • cease to exist
  • cease all activity
  • cease hostilities

Word family

noun cessation
verb cease
adjective incessant
adverb incessantly

Usage note

Cease is a formal verb. Its antonyms often imply a beginning or continuation, while its synonyms focus on the act of stopping.

Example sentences

  1. I had to cease talking when the movie started.
  2. The rain will cease soon.
  3. The teacher told the students to cease making noise.
  4. I hope the pain will cease soon.
  5. Please cease your complaints and try to find a solution.

Quotes

  • The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful. - Oscar Wilde
  • We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. - Benjamin Franklin
  • The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. - Socrates

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