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

But after outrage by the Israeli government, as well as opposition from the ruling government in Ireland, the measure was postponed. — Sean Savage, Jewish Journal, "Ireland goes ahead with legislation to boycott products made in Israeli settlements," 12 July 2018 Jimmy Buffett will begin at 8:45 p.m., EARLIER REPORT: Riverbend Music Center says the start of tonight's Jimmy Buffett concert will be postponed because of a wreck blocking traffic on the Combs-Hehl Bridge. — Nancy Daly, Cincinnati.com, "Wreck near Riverbend postpones start of Jimmy Buffett concert to 8:45 p.m.," 10 July 2018 Project's history The presentation of the development agreement was originally planned for a June 27 special meeting of the village board, but the agreement was not quite complete and the vote was postponed. — Henry J. Morgan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Germantown OKs Briggs & Stratton development agreement; distribution center expected to be built by December 2019," 5 July 2018 Sentences are cut short and plans are postponed as MS stages another guerrilla raid on context. — Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "The Inward Empire," 27 June 2018 The ceremony was first planned for June 13 but was postponed after graffiti was found under the bridge, Claudia Carlson said. — Cain Buchmeier, Post-Tribune, "Antique cars pass through 140-year old bridge for first time since 2012," 27 June 2018 Juventus have agreed to pay the full fee over the next three years, with the first payment coming in the form of €15m as the rest is postponed for a later date. — SI.com, "Valencia and Juventus Reach Agreement For €40m Transfer of Joao Cancelo," 24 June 2018 The band said Tuesday that their June 23 and 24 shows would be postponed, too. — Nicole Darrah, Fox News, "Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker's recovery hits setback," 21 June 2018 But hundreds of tweets of joy were quickly dashed last month when Hofmann followed up to say the project is postponed indefinitely, citing financial and legal fees as the cause. — Madeline Buxton, refinery29.com, "Vine Is Dead, But The Internet Is Determined To Keep It Alive," 21 June 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.