1
as in to remain
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
let's stay inside this pavilion until it stops raining
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill
stay the trial until this new evidence has been processed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
we'll stay for a while longer and see if anyone shows up
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to visit
to reside as a temporary guest
let's stay at a quaint inn rather than at some generic motel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity
we must work without stay if we are ever to reach our goal of equal rights for everyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
a free press is one of the principal stays of a democratic society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of stay
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
The bureau projects that water levels in Mead will recover for a few months before plunging downward again in March — and staying below the level needed to avoid severe cuts in power production until at least April 2028, when Reclamation's projections end.
—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
21 June 2026
C.j. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
However, anyone with a million dollars to blow can book a weeklong stay for two at the lavish in Abu Dhabi.
—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stay
Verb
For those not traveling by campervan, Lofoten’s traditional rorbu cabins, small hotels, guesthouses and rental apartments offer a more comfortable and locally beneficial way to stay.
—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
The bureau projects that water levels in Mead will recover for a few months before plunging downward again in March — and staying below the level needed to avoid severe cuts in power production until at least April 2028, when Reclamation's projections end.
—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
21 June 2026
Noun
If Williams and Minott stay, Jefferson’s early role becomes harder to carve out.
—
C.j. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
However, anyone with a million dollars to blow can book a weeklong stay for two at the lavish in Abu Dhabi.
—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stay
Verb
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But the fear of being snatched by ICE agents remains, Neel said.
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The White River remains a big draw, too, though Stephenson notes that public access points along the banks are becoming increasingly scarce.
Verb
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Chisholm scored on Jose Caballero's RBI groundout in the fourth inning before hitting a two-run homer in the sixth as New York ended a three-game losing streak and stopped Detroit's four-game winning streak.
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Disneyland officials said a cast member immediately stopped the ride.
Verb
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The lights were dimmed, my slippers were waiting beside the bed, and a video of the resort’s beach area played on the TV, complete with the soothing sound of waves washing up on shore.
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Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
Verb
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You are invited to visit and decide for yourself what belongs on these shelves.
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But, my colleague Karissa Waddick writes, those panels were displayed in the White House's West Wing for more than 40 years, away from areas where the public is allowed to visit.
Verb
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Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
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The driver of the bus sustained minor injuries.
Noun
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Starting an exercise program, eating better, smoking cessation -- these are all examples of behaviors that require serious commitment to implement and maintain.
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Tehran insists that the deal’s implementation start with a cessation of all fighting — including between Israel and Hezbollah.
Noun
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Overall, half of Americans (50%) support displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, including 83% of White evangelicals and 72% of Republicans.
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Trailing 3-1 in the third, Ohtani provided his own run support, singling to center to score Alex Freeland from second after the Dodgers infielder had led off with a double.
Verb
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Allowed Trump to turn back asylum-seekers at the southern border and to immediately halt temporary protection from deportation for Syrians and Haitians.
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Riff questioned Hochman on Thursday about what legal grounds a judge had to halt a payout that the five county supervisors wanted to move forward despite the fraud allegations that first came to light in October.
Cite this Entry
“Stay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stay. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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