ceasefire

noun

cease·​fire ˈsēs-ˈfi(-ə)r How to pronounce ceasefire (audio)
variants or less commonly cease-fire
plural ceasefires also cease-fires
Synonyms of ceasefire
1
: a military order to cease firing
2
: a suspension of active hostilities

Synonyms of ceasefire

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Examples of ceasefire in a Sentence

the two armies declared a ceasefire for the holiday
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli fire has killed at least 1,318 Palestinians since a fragile October ceasefire deal attempted to halt more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 July 31 2026 A 60-day ceasefire to allow for peace talks expires with no new deal in place. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 The memorandum of understanding that was reached in June called for a ceasefire that has been honored in the breach. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 In May, Iran had already restarted some of its drone production during a six-week ceasefire, rapidly rebuilding military capabilities degraded by US-Israeli strikes, according to two sources familiar with US intelligence assessments. — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceasefire

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceasefire was in 1844

Rhymes for ceasefire

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Browse Nearby Words

cease and desist order
ceasefire
ceaseless
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Cite this Entry

“Ceasefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceasefire. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cease-fire

noun
ˈsēs-ˈfī(ə)r
: a temporary stopping of warfare
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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