intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
Synonyms of intermissionnext
1
: an interval between the parts of an entertainment (such as the acts of a play)
2
: the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted
intermissionless adjective

Synonyms of intermission

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Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission. an awkward intermission between speeches
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.
That day abruptly ushered Jake’s family into a new act, like a curtain dropping at intermission. — Caroline Cherston, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026 Berterame started up front along with Luis Suarez, but the duo were unable to find the back of the net in a listless first half that remained scoreless as the teams headed to intermission. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026 Just beyond the entrance, an intimate bar with leather lounge chairs invite patrons to gather before the house lights dim or linger during intermission to swap reactions about their favorite moments of the performance. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 Bonner had 14 points by halftime, and the Mercury took a 42-36 lead into intermission. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intermission

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intermyssyown, from Latin intermission-, intermissio, from intermittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intermission was in the 15th century

Rhymes for intermission

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Browse Nearby Words

interministerial
intermission
intermissive
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
1
: pause entry 1 sense 1, interruption
work without intermission
2
: a pause or interval between the parts of an entertainment (as the acts of a play)

Medical Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission
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