as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
our weekend plans were held in abeyance until we could get a weather forecast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 abeyance
Cogan’s melodies often hang in abeyance and rarely fully resolve.
—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
16 Mar. 2026
The jail term was held in abeyance, pending a review hearing in 60 days, according to court records.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
The ethics inquiry board deliberated on the motion to dismiss and held the motion in abeyance pending the complainant’s witnesses testifying.
—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Carroll requested during Wednesday’s meeting that the board either reject the charges or hold them in abeyance until the litigation between The Trap and the city is resolved.
—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abeyance
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
16 Mar. 2026
The jail term was held in abeyance, pending a review hearing in 60 days, according to court records.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
The ethics inquiry board deliberated on the motion to dismiss and held the motion in abeyance pending the complainant’s witnesses testifying.
—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Carroll requested during Wednesday’s meeting that the board either reject the charges or hold them in abeyance until the litigation between The Trap and the city is resolved.
—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abeyance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abeyance
Noun
-
Since Ecuador lost, Hincapié will serve his red-card suspension during the team’s next international match.
-
The report, released Tuesday, says the jury found that students with disabilities in the district face high rates of absenteeism and suspensions.
Noun
-
The stage is set for unbelievable tension and suspense-building, and it's executed perfectly through Spielberg's directorial prowess with memorable scenes from raptors in the kitchen to a T-Rex in the toilet.
-
The Internet has unintentionally killed the suspense for nearly everything, up to and including concerts.
Cite this Entry
“Abeyance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abeyance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
