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.
The play, like a sturdy classic that Sheldon might love, runs over two hours with an intermission, not without dragging. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026 The Raiders’ defense also delivered before intermission, as Timothy Johnson intercepted a Dunbar pass with 32 seconds remaining in the second quarter. — Shiloh Robinson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2026 The doc, which also screened at fests from TIFF to Zurich, Hamptons, Mill Valley Film Festival, Beyondfest and more, is a hefty 225 minutes long – plus a ten-minute intermission – which limits showtimes. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 Despite being on the back foot for most of the first period, the Kings took a lead into the first intermission when Laferriere put in Erik Haula's cross-slot pass with a minute remaining. — CBS News, 7 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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