hiccup

noun

ˈhi-(ˌ)kəp How to pronounce hiccup (audio)
variants also hiccough
Definition of hiccupnext
as in interruption
a break in continuity the business has grown steadily for 14 years, with only a few minor hiccups

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hiccup Any slowdown or hiccup in spending from the major hyperscalers could also make Vertiv investors vulnerable. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 The course zigzagged more than 4,100 miles across the continent – a formidable journey, though one that many cars today could handle without a hiccup. — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026 Heading into the fourth inning, his scoreless inning streak had reached 20, but a fielding hiccup from second baseman Michael Massey led to Minnesota’s lone score. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026 Josh D’Amaro’s been at the helm of the Walt Disney Company for about five months now, and — a couple blockbuster-size hiccups aside — things are going relatively well for the Bob Iger replacement. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hiccup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hiccup
  1. interruption
  2. interval
  3. hiatus
  4. pause
  5. gap
Noun
  • Kamayan, the acclaimed Filipino restaurant on Buford Highway, moved to a new space next door to its original location but never experienced an interruption of service, so it is not included in the list of new openings below.
    — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Across the country, others might be meeting the work requirements but miss the notice to renew in the mail and as a result, experience an interruption in coverage.
    — Abdullah Shihipar, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • Athena logged peak penetration rates exceeding 350 feet per hour and sustained over 130 feet per hour through long intervals.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That posting also got questions about the 40-month intervals, as well as blowback for the reminder of the passage of time.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • Who cares who is on the bill at Daisy Chain Fields next year, if heat stroke is taking a hiatus?
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • During something of an unofficial hiatus, James was busy with solo material.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hiatus
Noun
  • The Appalachian Trail Conservancy defines a thru-hike as completing all of the trail’s sections in any order within a year, allowing for pauses.
    — Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This summer's pause in data reporting for Somalia came at a particularly precarious time.
    — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of pause
Noun
  • Hydrolyzed keratin, meanwhile, fills in the gaps in the cuticle by improving elasticity and damage caused by daily styling, heat, and environmental stressors.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Closing a gap in naval defenses The growing use of inexpensive drones has created a significant challenge for naval forces.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of gap

Browse Nearby Words

hibernations
hiccup
hiccups
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Cite this Entry

“Hiccup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hiccup. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hiccup

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hiccup

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