A truce refers to an agreement between conflicting parties to temporarily cease hostilities, typically in the interest of peace or to allow for negotiations. It is a suspension of fighting, often seen as a first step toward resolving a larger conflict. The term is frequently used in military contexts, where opposing sides agree to halt combat for a specified period, such as during a ceasefire agreement. However, a truce can also be applied in personal or political disputes, where rival groups agree to pause their disagreements to find common ground. A truce does not necessarily mean a full resolution of the conflict but serves as a temporary reprieve that can lead to further dialogue or peace talks. In many cases, it represents a recognition that ongoing violence or conflict is unproductive and that a break in hostilities is needed to prevent further damage or loss. While often fragile, a truce can pave the way for more lasting solutions and foster a climate of trust and cooperation.
Sample Sentences
- The two warring nations agreed to a truce after months of intense fighting.
- The Christmas Eve truce during World War I is a famous example of soldiers laying down arms for a brief moment of peace.
- The two rival groups called a truce to negotiate a more permanent resolution to their conflict.
- A truce was declared to allow humanitarian aid to reach the war-torn region.
- The peace talks broke down, but the leaders agreed to observe a truce while they tried to work through their differences.
- A temporary truce gave the city a chance to rebuild after the destruction of the battle.
- Despite the truce, both sides continued to prepare for future confrontations.
- They called a truce to celebrate the festival, showing respect for the traditions of both communities.
- The truce held for a few days before tensions escalated again.
- After the truce, the diplomats worked tirelessly to draft a formal peace agreement.
Synonyms for “Truce”
- Ceasefire
- Armistice
- Pause
- Break
- Suspension
- Reprieve
- Respite
- Detente
- Peace
- Lull
Antonyms for “Truce”
- Conflict
- Hostilities
- Fighting
- War
- Strife
- Combat
- Aggression
- Battle
- Discord
- Violence
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Ceasefire
- Peace
- Negotiation
- Agreement
- Reconciliation
- Pact
- Settlement
- Diplomacy
- Compromise
- Armistice
Phrasal Verbs:
- Call a truce (to declare or agree to a temporary cessation of hostilities)
- Break a truce (to violate or resume fighting after an agreement)
- Hold a truce (to maintain the suspension of fighting)
- Agree to a truce (to come to an understanding to stop conflict temporarily)
- Make a truce (to establish a temporary peace agreement)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Bury the hatchet (to reconcile and cease conflict)
- Take a break from fighting (to pause hostilities, similar to a truce)
- Put down arms (to stop fighting, usually in the context of a truce)
- Fight another day (to pause the conflict and resume it later, like a truce)
- Break the deadlock (to overcome a period of no progress in negotiations, often leading to a truce)