sabbatical

noun

Definition of sabbaticalnext
as in vacation
a period of time during which someone does not work at their regular job Several professors will be taking sabbaticals this year. She recently returned to work after a two-year sabbatical from her acting career.

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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 sabbatical Almost no one can afford to take a sabbatical immediately, but make a plan for five to seven years from now and begin to budget and strategize to make the logistics work. — Dj Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026 For cultural and biological reasons, female tennis players far more commonly take sabbaticals. — Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026 The very mission of my sabbatical was to examine exactly this question. — Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 How to put this relationship advice into practice The research doesn’t demand skydiving or a six-month sabbatical. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sabbatical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sabbatical
  1. vacation
  2. break
  3. furlough
  4. leave
  5. holiday
  6. liberty
Noun
  • After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.
    — Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Linen, washed cotton, lightweight knits, and silk all have a natural ease to them that works beautifully on vacation.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of vacation
Noun
  • The team's official drumline, The Pack, pounded on illuminated drums during quarter breaks, while Skye, the team's sassy, blue-haired lioness mascot, jumped onto the T-shirt cannon to launch souvenir merchandise high into stadium seats.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Mourinho also voiced concerns about the upcoming three-week international break, fearing player injuries.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of break
Noun
  • Former employees said Monday was coincidentally the day their layoffs from the hospital became official after months of furlough.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, furlough transfers where minimum security inmates transfer from prison to prison are routine, allowing inmates the opportunity to catch their own ride to their next destination.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of furlough
Noun
  • An attorney representing Matthew Mayich’s family said Arizona State University is mishandling the investigation into the hockey player’s collapse and hospitalization and called on members of the coaching staff to be put on administrative leave.
    — Nathan Fenno, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Within the last few days, the Channahon Police Department also announced an officer allegedly used the Flock camera system for unauthorized purposes and placed the officer on administrative leave.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of leave
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, the Elie Saab H&M collection plays up after-dark glamour, and just in time for holiday party season, too.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The attraction will be held at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, known as the Christmas Capital of Texas for its extensive holiday decorations and seasonal activities.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of holiday
Noun
  • For many, the Obama presidency felt like a time when America’s founding principles of equality and liberty for all were finally being realized.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Through first-person testimonies and family photos from California communities, the show confronts family separations, civil-liberties violations and the long shadow of deportation campaigns on Mexican American life.
    — Isa Farfan, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of liberty

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sabbatical
sabbaticals
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Cite this Entry

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

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