Synonyms for

Timeout

Verb / ˈtaɪˌmaʊt / Another word for timeout — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a brief suspension of an activity or event

Synonyms & similar words

break pause intermission rest hiatus recess stoppage interruption standstill breather interlude lull cessation halt stop wait delay adjournment respite

Synonyms by register

Formal

interruption suspension adjournment recess

Informal

break pause chill out take a breather

Literary

lull respite hiatus

Antonyms

continuation resumption start beginning proceeding go-ahead

Common collocations

  • take a timeout
  • call a timeout
  • timeout period
  • timeout occurs
  • timeout is called
  • timeout expires
  • timeout penalty

Word family

noun timeout
verb timeout

Usage note

Primarily used in sports and parenting contexts to denote a temporary cessation of activity. Can also refer to a period of inactivity in computing.

Example sentences

  1. The coach called a timeout to talk to his team.
  2. I had to take a timeout from work to rest my eyes.
  3. Mom gave me a timeout for misbehaving.
  4. The TV show took a timeout for a commercial break.
  5. We had a timeout during the game for a player injury.

Quotes

  • "There's no timeouts, unless there's a TV timeout." - Kobe Bryant
  • "I'm not afraid to take a timeout and eat some food or do something like that." - Klay Thompson
  • "I took a timeout and realized that the things that were important in childhood are still important now." - Tim Duncan

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