postpone

verb

post·pone | \ (ˌ)pōs(t)-ˈpōn

postponed; postponing

Definition of postpone

transitive verb

1 : to put off to a later time : defer

2a : to place later (as in a sentence) than the normal position in English postpone an adjective

b : to place later in order of precedence, preference, or importance

Other Words from postpone Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about postpone

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Choose the Right Synonym for postpone

defer, postpone, suspend, stay mean to delay an action or proceeding. defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time. deferred buying a car until spring postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time. the game is postponed until Saturday suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied. business will be suspended while repairs are underway stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority. the governor stayed the execution

Examples of postpone in a Sentence

The baseball game was postponed until tomorrow because of rain. we'll have to postpone a decision until we have all the information

Recent Examples on the Web

The use of these products on gel injection sites with skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infections should be postponed until healing is complete. — Vogue, "Celebrity Manicurist Deborah Lippmann on Beauty, Aging, and the Product That Changed her Relationship With her Hands," 1 Apr. 2019 Two were postponed because of rain last season, including the season opener against the Nationals that was pushed back a day. — Joe Kay, The Seattle Times, "Pirates at Reds game postponed because of rain," 30 Mar. 2019 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's move into their new residence, Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, has been postponed. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Move to Frogmore Cottage Has Reportedly Been Delayed," 25 Mar. 2019 That was later pushed back to March 2 and now has been postponed while the U.S. and China seek to strike a new trade pact. — Paul Page, WSJ, "U.S. Seaborne Imports to Los Angeles, Long Beach Plunged in February," 18 Mar. 2019 However, given the difficulties involved in building the KC-46, including long delays and cost overruns, a brand new tanker could be postponed into the 2040s. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The KC-135 Tanker Could Become the First U.S. Warplane To Serve 100 Years," 31 Dec. 2018 Arraignment has been postponed for a man suspected in a string of killings and beating targeting sleeping homeless people in Southern California. — Fox News, "Latest: Foul play against suspect's missing uncle, aunt eyed," 28 Sep. 2018 Obsitnik’s application was postponed by state officials six times — far more than any other major candidate in the governor’s race. — Christopher Keating, courant.com, "Steve Obsitnik Releases First TV Commercial," 12 July 2018 The pursuit of a striker was postponed last offseason, Sporting Kansas City content to wait until summer and shift its resources to surrounding positions. — Sam Mcdowell, kansascity, "As transfer window opens, Sporting KC sets sights on striker," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'postpone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.