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

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

On the surface, it’s a delightful, enriching change of pace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

I don’t want to sugarcoat the challenge of finding a job in your 60s, but a change of pace might help you feel differently about still working.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

She felt the minor would offer a good change of pace from her other, “intensive” coursework.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Customers quitting the island for Astoria or Cobble Hill would claim to welcome the change of pace, saying it would be nice to finally have a garden or live a little closer to the airport.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris