as in intruding
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion
it's rude to interrupt when someone is making an important point
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Recent Examples of interrupting
In addition to his eye for period-appropriate costumes and production design, Rosenberg has a deft ear for dialogue that flows in the way people actually talk, in varying, interrupting rhythms.
—
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 19 May 2026
When Riley returned to the table, La La told me that his high profile in the city sometimes bugged her, because fans were always interrupting them, even sitting down at their table.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
For his memorable impression, Ferrell often acted inebriated or over-the-top while performing and interrupting himself to tell random stories.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Haymon was also held in contempt of court for continuously interrupting a separate judge, Judge Olson and for presenting unrelated matters in court.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 15 May 2026
The researchers found that repeatedly interrupting retrieval can gradually reduce how accessible the memory becomes over time, meaning that the brain effectively becomes less practiced at retrieving it in vivid detail.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
The breach created chaos across California university campuses this week, interrupting classes, assignments and finals preparations for hundreds of thousands of students and professors.
—Kelvin Chan, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Elizabeth continues to be an infuriating character, interrupting with rude and unhelpful asides throughout the entire family meeting, casually gnawing on an orange slice as Greg and Katie have a heart-to-heart across the table.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 May 2026
Preventative measures during this time involve interrupting the reproduction process before populations can become pervasive.
—Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 19 May 2026
When Riley returned to the table, La La told me that his high profile in the city sometimes bugged her, because fans were always interrupting them, even sitting down at their table.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
For his memorable impression, Ferrell often acted inebriated or over-the-top while performing and interrupting himself to tell random stories.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Haymon was also held in contempt of court for continuously interrupting a separate judge, Judge Olson and for presenting unrelated matters in court.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 15 May 2026
The researchers found that repeatedly interrupting retrieval can gradually reduce how accessible the memory becomes over time, meaning that the brain effectively becomes less practiced at retrieving it in vivid detail.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
The breach created chaos across California university campuses this week, interrupting classes, assignments and finals preparations for hundreds of thousands of students and professors.
—Kelvin Chan, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Elizabeth continues to be an infuriating character, interrupting with rude and unhelpful asides throughout the entire family meeting, casually gnawing on an orange slice as Greg and Katie have a heart-to-heart across the table.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 May 2026
Preventative measures during this time involve interrupting the reproduction process before populations can become pervasive.
—Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrupting
Verb
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That’s no different from foreign bots intruding into our elections.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
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There are worse things that could happen than Jimmy Fallon intruding upon your life in the game and being forced to adapt to that.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tell him that his approach to the trip is bothering you.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
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Try taking 10 to 15 minutes each day to write out what's bothering you.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Swatch took to Instagram on Sunday to ask customers not to rush stores, adding that the collection will remain available for several months.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
18 May 2026
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Highly Processed Protein Powder Protein powders are a convenient way to boost the protein content of smoothies, adding as much as 20 to 30 grams per scoop.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
18 May 2026
Verb
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People were complaining about people cutting in lines, but are people blaming Walmart for the line outside at a Black Friday sale?—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
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Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness, giving the juices time to redistribute before cutting in.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Interrupting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrupting. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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