reprieve

/rɪˈpriːv/noun

A short break from something hard or unpleasant.

Example sentence

“The cool evening breeze offered a welcome reprieve from the heat.”

Originally a stay of execution, and that legal weight lingers: a reprieve suggests escape from something dreaded, not just a pause.

Featured as word of the day on July 27, 2026.

Related words

researchCareful study or investigation carried out to discover facts or test ideas.reportTo describe or give an account of something that happened.resentmentA lasting feeling of anger or bitterness about being treated unfairly.rentMoney paid regularly to a landlord for the use of a home, office, or other property.reservationAn arrangement made in advance to hold a hotel room, table, seat, or other service for you.renovateTo repair and update something old, such as a building, so it looks new again.