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pause Synonyms

Another word for pause

Choosing another word for pause depends on context, so the 34 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A temporary stop or rest, especially in speech or action.

Usage Example

"After a brief break to gather her thoughts, the speaker continued her presentation."

Strongest
break
stop
lull
Strong
halt
interval
intermission
respite
interruption
breather
hiatus

• verb (Context 2)

To interrupt an action, speech, or process temporarily before continuing.

Usage Example

"She paused at the top of the hill to catch her breath and admire the valley below."

Strongest
stop
halt
Strong
hesitate
wait
rest
hold on
break
cease
desist
delay

• verb (Context 3)

To temporarily stop the playback or operation of a media recording, digital device, or ongoing program.

Usage Example

"He paused the podcast so he could listen to the station announcement."

Strongest
stop
Strong
freeze
suspend
halt
interrupt
hold

• noun (Context 4)

A control function or button on a media device or computer program that temporarily interrupts playback or operation.

Usage Example

"Please hit pause button on the documentary while I go answer the front door."

Strongest
pause button

• noun (Context 5)

Hesitation or uncertainty caused by doubt or careful consideration.

Usage Example

"The sudden drop in market confidence gave the investors serious hesitation before committing additional funds."

Strongest
hesitation
doubt
Strong
misgiving
uncertainty
indecision
second thoughts
qualm
scruple
reservation
wavering

• noun (Context 6)

In music and prosody, a mark (such as a fermata) or rhythmic break indicating that a note, rest, or syllable is to be prolonged or followed by brief silence.

Usage Example

"The conductor held his baton aloft to observe the dramatic fermata written at the end of the cadenza."

Strongest
fermata
rest
caesura
Strong
hold

Opposites of pause

The opposite of pause shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

unpause
continue
continuation
resume
play
certainty
proceed
confidence
See all opposites of pause

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Pause. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/pause
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