Armistice

n.calm, hopefulformal

What it means

A formal agreement to stop fighting, usually as a step toward peace.

Reach for it when distinguishing a negotiated halt in conflict from a final settlement

The armistice gave both communities time to begin negotiations.

everyday
truce
opponents agree to pause conflict in familiar language
not when A truce can be informal and may cover only a brief period.
professional
ceasefire
fighting stops under agreed terms
not when A ceasefire may be local or temporary and can be less formal than an armistice.
professional
peace agreement
a settlement resolves the conflict rather than only pausing it
not when Calling an armistice peace overstates what has been achieved.
professional
stand-down
forces are ordered to stop active operations
not when A stand-down can be unilateral and does not establish mutual agreement.
formal
cessation
the fact that hostilities stop is the exact point
not when Cessation can happen without any agreement between the parties.
formal
suspension of hostilities
precise diplomatic wording needs no suggestion of final peace
not when The phrase is cumbersome outside official or historical writing.