Abeyance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s/ abey·ance

Meaning & Definition of Abeyance

Abeyance (noun)

  1. a state of temporary inactivity, suspension —used chiefly in the phrase in abeyance
  2. a lapse in succession during which there is no person in whom a title is vested

Abeyance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state of temporary inactivity

    "our weekend plans were held in abeyance until we could get a weather forecast"

    similar: cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension
    related: inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness, impasse, standstill, coma, hibernation, hypnosis, repose, rest, sleep, slumber, torpor, recess, recession, remission, downtime, idleness, layoff
    opposite: continuance, continuation
    near: recommencement, renewal, resumption, resuscitation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abeyance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abeyance:

cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Abeyance

Words with the opposite meaning of Abeyance:

continuance, continuation

Related Words for Abeyance

inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness, impasse, standstill, coma, hibernation, hypnosis, repose, rest, sleep, slumber, torpor, recess, recession, remission, downtime, idleness, layoff

Near Antonyms of Abeyance

recommencement, renewal, resumption, resuscitation

Word Forms of Abeyance

Derived words: abeyant (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Abeyance

borrowed from Anglo-French abeyaunce "absence of a claimant or owner, lapse in succession," from abaer, abair "to open wide" (from a-, prefix in transitive verbs—from Latin ad- ad- — + baer, baier "to have the mouth wide open, gape, pant," from Vulgar Latin *batāre, perhaps of imitative origin) + -ance -ance

First known use: circa 1530

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Abeyance

Frequently Asked Questions about Abeyance

What does "Abeyance" mean?

"Abeyance" means a state of temporary inactivity, suspension —used chiefly in the phrase in abeyance. As a noun, it is defined as: a state of temporary inactivity, suspension —used chiefly in the phrase in abeyance.

What is another word for "Abeyance"?

Other words for "Abeyance" include cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium and quiescence. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abeyance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abeyance"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abeyance". Common alternatives include cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation and suspense.

What is the opposite of "Abeyance"?

Antonyms of "Abeyance" include continuance and continuation. Near antonyms include recommencement, renewal, resumption and resuscitation.

How do you use "Abeyance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Abeyance" in a sentence: "our weekend plans were held in abeyance until we could get a weather forecast".

Is "Abeyance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abeyance" is a noun.

Is "Abeyance" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Abeyance" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Abeyance"?

"Abeyance" is pronounced /ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as abey·ance.