Cessation of arms before a formal treaty is signed during a war

Cessation of arms before a formal treaty is signed during a war is called?

Answer: Armistice

An armistice is an agreement between countries who are at war with one another to stop fighting and to discuss ways of making peace. It is not necessarily the end of a war, as it may constitute only a cessation of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace.

Retreat – Withdrawal of troops from an enemy as a result of their superior power or after a defeat.
Accord – An official agreement or treaty.
Ceasefire – A temporary suspension of fighting; a truce.

Truce and Ceasefire are synonyms

A ceasefire is usually more limited than a broader armistice, which is a formal agreement to end fighting.

A truce or ceasefire, may be needed in order to negotiate an armistice.