1. intermit Strains of music may gradually or suddenly cease. A man quits work on the instant; he may discontinue a practise gradually; he quits suddenly and completely; he stops short in what he may o Synonyms: cease, abstain, desist, give over, quit, bring to an end, discontinue, intermit, refrain, come to an end, end, leave off, stop, conclude, finish, pause, terminate Antonyms: begin, inaugurate, originate, set going, set on foot, commence, initiate, set about, set in operation, start, enter upon, institute