change of pace

American  

[cheynj uhv peys] / ˈtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈpeɪs /

noun

1. temporary shift or variation in a normal routine or regular pattern of activity.

   Reading a mystery novel has been a real change of pace for me.

2. Baseball: Older Use. changeup.

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change of pace Idioms  

1. A shift in normal routine, a variation in usual activities or pattern, as in She's smiling in that one photo, just for a change of pace, or After six hours at my desk I need a change of pace, so I'm going for a swim. This term originated in a number of sports where strategy can involve altering the speed of, for example, a pitched or struck ball or a horse's gait. By the mid-1900s it was being transferred to other enterprises.

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Etymology

Origin of change of pace

First recorded in 1650–60; 1865–70 change of pace for def. 2

Example Sentences

Accepting the job offer meant a change of pace - but all-areas access within one of global sport's most famous and glamourous clubs.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

That would be a dramatic change of pace, since just 12% of customers have opted to buy the software as of last quarter, according to executives.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025

Brent Bruner said the Moroccan-themed design and trendy crowd at the city’s Camel Club is a nice change of pace from the town’s typical equestrian decor and khaki-with-blue-blazer dress code.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

The Rams drafted Stewart in the third round from Michigan as a change of pace to fortify the pass rush.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

Boaz would like nothing more than to be left alone; it would have been a lovely change of pace from his current circumstances.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny