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.
During intermission, the audience stays in their seats and the actors on stage, as the crew clean up the fake blood and discarded costumes and the performers remove the chalk from their faces. — Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 About 55 minutes into the performance, Richie, 77, announced an unexpected intermission. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 Standing at two hours and 30 minutes, along with a 15-minute intermission, the narrative plants you in the middle of a world of ironies. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 That day abruptly ushered Jake’s family into a new act, like a curtain dropping at intermission. — Caroline Cherston, STAT, 25 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 5 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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