change of pace

American  

[cheynj uhv peys] / ˈtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈpeɪs /

noun

1. 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.

2. Baseball: Older Use. changeup.

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change of pace Idioms  

1. A shift in normal routine, a variation in usual activities or pattern, as in She's smiling in that one photo, just for a change of pace, or After six hours at my desk I need a change of pace, so I'm going for a swim. This term originated in a number of sports where strategy can involve altering the speed of, for example, a pitched or struck ball or a horse's gait. By the mid-1900s it was being transferred to other enterprises.

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Etymology

Origin of change of pace

First recorded in 1650–60; 1865–70 change of pace for def. 2

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

change of pace

The urgency is a sharp change of pace.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

And for a change of pace, our auto columnist Dan Neil answered your questions on everything from EVs to why Detroit is no longer the center of the car universe.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

That would be a welcome change of pace.

From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026

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

“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