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 camera pans around the room to Tony Yayo, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Ye, who is masked and seemingly sitting in the corner without a seat in time-out. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026 Those two minutes in a time-out decades ago still guide how Richards leads today. Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 With the duel tied at 88-88, the Aces called time-out with five seconds left. Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Dec. 2025 What all those albums had in common was how those artists offered at least occasional time-outs from the trauma. Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • After that is the monsoon season from May to October, which is humid and rainy, followed by the winter season from November to February, when temperatures are still hot, but a little lower.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • With the winter behind us in the far rearview mirror, spring is consuming our senses and filling our hearts with blossoms and blooms.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Steele is now unlikely to rejoin the Cubs’ rotation until after the July All-Star break, Counsell estimated.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Wagner led the team at the halfway mark with 17 points, scoring 10 points in the paint before the break.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Each matching set is crafted from soft, breathable fabrics that are easy to care for and comfortable enough for travel or downtime.
    Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The electrician wiring a data center is building the backbone of the AI boom, where a single error can cost millions in downtime.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But this lull in anti-vaccine rhetoric and action should not be mistaken for a durable pivot in federal vaccine policy.
    Will Walters, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Yet, instead of taking advantage of this lull to prepare for the future by upgrading transmission lines and incorporating smart grid technologies en masse, policymakers procrastinated.
    Big Think, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Scott will be 25 years old as a rookie, which gives the pairing some pause, but the Bills are currently without a backup nickel at this point.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That duplication has raised concerns about staff consolidations and widespread newsroom layoffs.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
  • Lilly said in a video post reacting to reports of Marvel layoffs amid a larger Disney pivot to AI.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 30 Apr. 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 2 May. 2026.

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