abeyance

noun

ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s How to pronounce abeyance (audio)
Definition of abeyancenext
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity our weekend plans were held in abeyance until we could get a weather forecast

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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 abeyance The worry for Ukrainians is that the Iran war, which has been in abeyance for weeks, may now reignite after Iran launched missiles on Sunday at Israel in the first such bombardment since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April, complicating mediation efforts for a deal to end the war. — Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026 Taylor pleaded guilty in abeyance to assault and the other charges were dropped. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026 Cogan’s melodies often hang in abeyance and rarely fully resolve. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026 The jail term was held in abeyance, pending a review hearing in 60 days, according to court records. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abeyance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abeyance
  1. suspension
  2. suspense
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Track Mode lowers the suspension so drivers can adjust the car for more aggressive handling.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Madrid's Vinícius will serve the first of a four-game suspension later Sunday for pulling the hair of a Villarreal player and aggressively confronting the referee in the previous round.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • But the Mets missed the postseason in 2024 and were 10½ games out on April 26, ending the suspense early this season.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than relying on supernatural creatures or elaborate mythology, Fears to Fathom builds suspense around seemingly ordinary situations that take increasingly terrifying turns.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspense

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abeyance
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Cite this Entry

“Abeyance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abeyance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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