pause synonyms

pause

n.

  1. A break

    intermission, suspension, discontinuance, breathing space, breather*, hitch*, hesitancy*, interlude*, hiatus*, abeyance*, interim*, lapse*, cessation*, stopover*, interval*, rest period, gap*, stoppage; see also recess 1.

    Antonyms continuation*, prolongation, progression. *

  2. Temporary inaction

    lull, rest, stop, halt, truce, suspension of active hostilities, stay, respite, interregnum, standstill, stand, deadlock, stillness.

    Antonyms persistence*, steadiness, ceaselessness.

give one pause

make one stop and think, cause doubt, create suspicion, create uncertainty; see confuse.

pause

v.

delay, halt, rest, catch one's breath, cease, hold back, reflect, deliberate, suspend, think twice, discontinue, interrupt, rest one's oars*; see also hesitate.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.