change of pace
Americannoun
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temporary shift or variation in a normal routine or regular pattern of activity.
Reading a mystery novel has been a real change of pace for me.
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Baseball: Older Use. changeup.
Etymology
Origin of change of pace
First recorded in 1650–60; 1865–70 change of pace for def. 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The trip was also a change of pace for the King, whose visit to the US was seen as the biggest diplomatic moment of his reign.
From BBC • May 1, 2026
Accepting the job offer meant a change of pace - but all-areas access within one of global sport's most famous and glamourous clubs.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
That would be a dramatic change of pace, since just 12% of customers have opted to buy the software as of last quarter, according to executives.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025
Brent Bruner said the Moroccan-themed design and trendy crowd at the city’s Camel Club is a nice change of pace from the town’s typical equestrian decor and khaki-with-blue-blazer dress code.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025
“We thought you and the girls might like a little change of pace, and so we’ve arranged a petting zoo for you.”
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.