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 unit can be awakened at any point during that time-out window by tapping the power button – which should return to the last used function. New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026 But what, or rather who, was in the containers continues to spark outrage due to claims that special needs children were placed in them during time-out sessions. James Powel, USA Today, 26 Dec. 2025 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
  • One winter later, another generational star hit the open market in Juan Soto.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • To lay asphalt, contractors need warmer temperatures, and a final layer wasn’t put down in time for the cold winter season, when asphalt plants close, Brown said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her youngest son Oliver, now 2, was born with a hole in his heart and needed surgery, sending her on a six-month social media break.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • That, more than anything else, is the lesson of this international break.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During the downtime, crew members came up with the famous shot, filmed after Travolta returned, of his feet walking rhythmically as the camera then rises to his face.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Other guitar virtuosos might crave at least a little downtime between concluding a Las Vegas concert residency with one band and launching a national tour with another band, not but Joe Satriani.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even with the recent lull in ticket sales from Chinese releases, studios aren’t deterred from launching titles in the region.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
  • After staring down 30, experiencing a career lull, and contemplating quitting music altogether, the singer staked her future in the industry on the fate of her fourth record.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After a pause earlier this month to make way for the WGA talks, negotiation are set to pick up with the Sean Astin-run SAG-AFTRA in June, if not sooner.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Instead of plowing ahead with the current design, perhaps a pause is warranted.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Applications for unemployment benefits fell last week as layoffs remain sparse despite a softening labor market and rising energy costs due to the Iran war.
    Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • As a result, the company will cut 124 jobs, with the layoffs scheduled to take effect June 30.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 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 7 Apr. 2026.

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