respite
noun
a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief.
respites
-
pluralof respite.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
There were brief respites, but things seldom got easier: “The wind whipped up at noon and sleet came smacking down,” Mr. Tesson recalls.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 11, 2025
There are some respites from the training, the running and marching, the room full of tear gas, the dead man’s float test, the hand-to-hand combat, the flower planting.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2025
Even for malaria the respites may be transient.
From Science Magazine ● Sep. 25, 2023
Taking turns tossing and catching the ball furnishes the game with built-in respites, which give the participants a chance to reflect on past choices and prepare for future ones.
From New York Times ● Jul. 18, 2023
During one of these respites, Diana drew Lyddie to the nearest window.
From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson
