Looking for synonyms for time out? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say time out.
- Break
- Pause
- Recess
- Intermission
- Rest period
- Hiatus
- Respite
- Breather
- Interval
- Suspension
- Standstill
- Lull
- Timeout (as one word, in specific contexts)
- Stoppage
- Halt
Want to learn how to say time out professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Break
Used for a short period of rest or interruption in activity.
Example: After two hours of continuous meeting, we took a 15-minute break.
2. Pause
Appropriate for a temporary stop or delay in action or speech.
Example: Let’s take a brief pause to gather our thoughts before we continue.
3. Recess
Ideal for a period of time when the proceedings of an official body are temporarily suspended.
Example: The court will adjourn for a one-hour recess before hearing the next testimony.
4. Intermission
Used in events, such as plays or concerts, for a short break between parts of the program.
Example: The play will have a 20-minute intermission after the second act.
5. Rest period
Suitable for a designated time to stop work or activity and rest.
Example: The company mandates a 10-minute rest period every two hours for all employees in the manufacturing department.
6. Hiatus
Appropriate for a longer break or interruption in continuity.
Example: The series will go on a hiatus until filming for the next season begins.
7. Respite
Ideal for a short period of relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
Example: The weekend provided a much-needed respite from the hectic work schedule.
8. Breather
Colloquial for a short break for rest or to regain one’s composure.
Example: After completing the marathon, she took a long breather to recover.
9. Interval
Used for a pause or break in activity, especially in performances or events.
Example: During the interval, the audience discussed the first half of the performance.
10. Suspension
Appropriate for a temporary cessation of a usual operation or activity.
Example: The project faced a suspension while awaiting approval from the regulatory board.
11. Standstill
Ideal for describing a complete stop in movement or progress.
Example: Traffic came to a standstill during the peak of the snowstorm.
12. Lull
Used for a temporary period of quiet or inactivity.
Example: There was a lull in the conference as attendees broke out into session groups.
13. Timeout
Specifically used in sports or activities to indicate a pause for strategy or rest.
Example: The coach called a timeout to discuss the team’s strategy in the final minutes of the game.
14. Stoppage
Suitable for any interruption or cessation of activity or progress.
Example: There was a brief stoppage in production due to equipment failure.
15. Halt
Used to describe a stop or discontinuation of an activity or motion.
Example: The construction work came to a halt when the city issued a weather advisory.
