as in to stay
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
please wait here, and we'll seat you shortly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
there was a long wait for the manager to come and help us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wait
Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
At Desert View, staff were lax in managing infectious diseases, the report said, while at Mesa Verde, detainees experienced prolonged wait times for critical off-site care.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wait
Verb
As many Americans across the nation are rushing to obtain their REAL ID license, some are choosing to opt out – by either using their valid passport as their preferred form of ID for travel or waiting until their current driver's license expires and then renewing it.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
In recent weeks, there have also been reports of SSA website crashes, long waits for phone and in-person services, as well as some recipients being incorrectly declared as dead.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
At Desert View, staff were lax in managing infectious diseases, the report said, while at Mesa Verde, detainees experienced prolonged wait times for critical off-site care.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
-
For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened.—
Bonnie Bolden,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Richie Grainge stayed true to her favorite pure: the Loro Piana Extra Pocket.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The game resumed after the delay, and the Pirates beat the Cubs 4-3.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
The delay in these markup hearings leaves little time for passage.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Managers don’t always appreciate lingering legacies.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Private patios are planted with succulents and shaded by native trees, while the center of the property is anchored by a sunken dipping pool and communal fire pit perfect for lingering evenings and slow conversations.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Outside, a pool and hammocks await, but guests can also partake in a (friendly!) game of giant Jenga, bocce ball, or cornhole.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
24 Apr. 2025
-
While awaiting the trial, Tracey Lynch settled Jack and Sarah into their new home back in Ireland.—
Maureen Maher,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Whether cooking for Hollywood stars or crafting simple dishes for his audience, Arya remained grounded in the belief that true success comes from being real, not manufactured.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
On Saturday morning, a trail of blood remained on the 19th floor of the apartment building where the woman was shot.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share