synonym: intervene, mediate

antonym: new, fresh, original

synonym: pause, lacuna

antonym: direct statement

During the brief ___________________ in the music, someone's ringing cell phone split the air.

Since I don't like people who play favorites in the office, I will ____________________ against such behavior with my superiors.

The manager expressed her unfavorable opinion of the job applicant by ___________________ rather than by direct statement.

If you take pride in expressing yourself with force and originality, you should not use so many __________________ phrases.

If you cannot meet the college's entrance requirements, it will be futile to have someone _________________ on your behalf.