stop 1 of 2

verb

ˈstäp How to pronounce stop (audio)
Definition of stopnext
1
as in to cease
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end the manufacturer will stop selling the toy and will immediately recall all the units that have already been sold

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2
as in to halt
to bring (something) to a standstill traffic was stopped for over an hour by the overturned truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fill
to close up so that no empty spaces remain I stopped the mouse hole with plaster

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to end
to come to an end the music stopped but we kept on dancing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to overcome
to achieve a victory over they were eventually stopped by the best team in the league

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stop

2 of 2

noun

1
as in break
a brief halt in a journey our guide called for a stop at the trail hut so we could eat and rest a bit

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2
as in station
a regular stopping place had lunch on a picnic table at a shady rest stop along the highway

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3
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult pulled out all the stops and presented the most spectacular show ever

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in halt
the stopping of a process or activity put a stop to this nonsense

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stop distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of stop are cease, desist, discontinue, and quit. While all these words mean "to suspend or cause to suspend activity," stop applies to action or progress or to what is operating or progressing and may imply suddenness or definiteness.

stopped at the red light

In what contexts can cease take the place of stop?

While in some cases nearly identical to stop, cease applies to states, conditions, or existence and may add a suggestion of gradualness and a degree of finality.

by nightfall the fighting had ceased

When can desist be used instead of stop?

In some situations, the words desist and stop are roughly equivalent. However, desist implies forbearance or restraint as a motive for stopping or ceasing.

desisted from further efforts to persuade them

When could discontinue be used to replace stop?

The meanings of discontinue and stop largely overlap; however, discontinue applies to the stopping of an accustomed activity or practice.

we have discontinued the manufacture of that item

When is quit a more appropriate choice than stop?

Although the words quit and stop have much in common, quit may stress either finality or abruptness in stopping or ceasing.

the engine faltered, sputtered, then quit altogether

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of stop
Verb
Over the past two years, Kongshan Shi’s collaborations have rarely stopped at conventional co-branding. — Li Jun, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 But those friendships don’t stop mattering when the school day ends, especially when group chats and social media keep everyone connected. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
When everyone can shorten development time with AI, being fast stops setting you apart. — Tim Lee, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Miami’s defense had some timely stops throughout the game, yet the offense was unable to reciprocate. — Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stop
  1. cease
  2. halt
  3. fill
  4. end
  5. overcome
  6. break
  7. station
  8. obstacle
Verb
  • Calvin lives in Snook’s Arm, a community on the verge of ceasing to exist.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Unfortunately, there are those on America’s political left who would also be satisfied if the State of Israel ceased to exist.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of cease
Verb
  • In South Dakota, the ACLU has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt a new law that includes requiring voters registering for the first time to present the most common forms of ID — driver’s licenses, Tribal IDs and non-driver state IDs.
    — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In South Dakota, the ACLU has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt a new law that includes requiring voters registering for the first time to present the most common forms of ID — driver's licenses, Tribal IDs and non-driver state IDs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Chatter in different languages filled the air; there were more thank you’s than grazie’s.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The Cathcarts’ office is gloomy and dark, while the Taylor & Byrne rooms are filled with light and air.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Dodgers lefty Tanner Scott came to the rescue and struck out Bauers and Yelich to end the inning (and Garrett Mitchell to kick off the seventh).
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The race starts and ends at The Momentary in Bentonville and two of the three course lengths roll through McDonald County in Missouri.
    — Glory Reitz, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of end
Verb
  • These sessions have helped Ellis develop a better understanding of the challenges others have overcome.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The three-time AL MVP played just seven games after May 31 because of a fractured rib and the leg injury, an absence the team couldn't overcome.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome
Noun
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Sandy Powell, who is in the film, became a celebrated costume designer, and one of her first breaks was through Derek’s films.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of break
Noun
  • In addition to the larger number of fitting stations, the space reflects a more contemporary design.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Car radios are also critical to keeping radio stations in business.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of station
Noun
  • Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle

Phrases Containing stop

Browse Nearby Words

stoop (to)
stop
stop (by)
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Cite this Entry

“Stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stop. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stop

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stop

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