Synonyms for

Pause

Verb / pɔ:z / Another word for pause — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Pause means to temporarily stop an action or activity.

Synonyms & similar words

interruption break intermit hesitate intermission suspension stop halt cease delay wait break intermission interruption interval rest breather respite lull hiatus standstill freeze suspend postpone defer

Synonyms by register

Formal

suspend interrupt cease halt

Informal

break hold up wait a sec hang on

Literary

intermission respite lull

Antonyms

continue proceed resume advance go on maintain perservere

Common collocations

  • take a pause
  • pause for breath
  • pause and reflect
  • pause the game
  • pause for thought
  • pause in conversation
  • brief pause

Word family

noun pause
verb pause

Usage note

While 'pause' can be used for both nouns and verbs, be mindful of context. It generally implies a temporary stop rather than a permanent cessation.

Example sentences

  1. I need to pause the game to use the bathroom.
  2. Can we take a pause from the meeting?
  3. Let's have a pause in the music for a moment.
  4. He took a long pause before answering the question.
  5. The pause in the conversation was awkward.

Quotes

  • The pause makes you think the song will end. And then the song isn't really over, so you're relieved. But then the song does actually end, because every song ends, obviously, and THAT. TIME. THE. END. IS. FOR. REAL. - John Green
  • Looking for Alaska
  • In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. - Deepak Chopra

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