as in intrudes
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion
it's rude to interrupt when someone is making an important point
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 interrupts
The partygoers don’t really know how to react until Stab interrupts the performance to choke Kid out, and then everyone becomes horrified.
—
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Deflecting care interrupts this learning process.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Any activity that interrupts the instructional day or involves leaving campus without permission is not school-sponsored and will result in discipline under district policy, the statement said.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Continuity of care saves lives — but continuity cannot exist where fear interrupts access.
—Jesus Ruiz, STAT, 27 Jan. 2026
Lifting the Lid While Cooking Releasing the steam interrupts the cooking process and throws off timing.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026
With Paisley in his ear, Bryan rudely interrupts Dylan to disparage Michigan and Illinois and whispers to Underwood about bench pressing.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 Jan. 2026
Coogan interrupts, unable to resist a punch line.
—Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Jan. 2026
Williams says, before a shocked Cohen interrupts.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Deflecting care interrupts this learning process.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Any activity that interrupts the instructional day or involves leaving campus without permission is not school-sponsored and will result in discipline under district policy, the statement said.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Continuity of care saves lives — but continuity cannot exist where fear interrupts access.
—Jesus Ruiz, STAT, 27 Jan. 2026
Lifting the Lid While Cooking Releasing the steam interrupts the cooking process and throws off timing.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026
With Paisley in his ear, Bryan rudely interrupts Dylan to disparage Michigan and Illinois and whispers to Underwood about bench pressing.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 Jan. 2026
Coogan interrupts, unable to resist a punch line.
—Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Jan. 2026
Williams says, before a shocked Cohen interrupts.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interrupts
Verb
-
Elon Musk has a habit of announcing the future in sweeping metaphors, then quietly changing course when reality intrudes.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
-
As a nose of warmer air intrudes in the lower-middle levels of the atmosphere, this may result in some sleet briefly mixing into our southern counties, especially areas south of I-70.—
Trey Fulbright,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Prescott's downtown area adds the perfect southwest charm and history and was even the stomping grounds of famed cowboy Doc Holiday.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The skin of her face remains absolutely static, which adds a disquieting, not to say frightening, touch to her look, the way a doll that’s suddenly come to life would terrify the children.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Most people are able to put the splint away once their plantar fasciitis no longer bothers them.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
That inward struggle made it to the surface because Glenn no longer bothers with charades.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The music video interposes clips of a nation on fire—thieves and looters running rampant, protesters spitting in cops’ faces—with footage of Aldean and his band playing in front of a courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, vowing to deliver justice.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Interrupts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interrupts. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
