postpone

verb

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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 Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the NFL decided to postpone the Aug. 8 enshrinement ceremony at Canton Ohio's Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. — Jim Ayello, The Indianapolis Star, "Delay of hall of fame induction means Edgerrin James could be enshrined alongside Manning," 25 June 2020 Abbott has also issued an order mandating hospitals in in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties postpone elective surgeries to ensure systems do not become overwhelmed, according to a Thursday release. — Rebecca Hennes, Houston Chronicle, "Abbott halts additional phases of Texas' reopening, suspends elective surgeries in 4 counties," 25 June 2020 In April, Democrats decided to postpone the convention from July to August to allow for more time to make contingency plans if the coronavirus still prevented mass gatherings. — Caitlin Conant, CBS News, "2020 Daily Trail Markers: Democrats plan for smaller convention in Milwaukee," 24 June 2020 Trump ally Roger Stone, set to report to prison next week, asks judge to postpone sentence because of the coronavirus. — Alex Connor, USA TODAY, "1 million voters," 24 June 2020 Rostov asked Sochi to postpone the match but the team refused, and so it was forced to field a team of young players aged 16-19. — Jack Guy And Darya Tarasova, CNN, "A Russian football team lost a key match 10-1 after Covid-19 forced it to field youth team," 22 June 2020 The backlash prompted Trump to postpone the rally by twenty-four hours. — Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, "Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom," 19 June 2020 Tulsa health director wants Trump to postpone rally amid 'significant increase' in coronavirus case trends by Caitlin Yilek Subscribe here to get all the latest headlines sent right to your inbox. — Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner, "Top Stories: June 15, 2020," 15 June 2020 Reconsider and postpone any major building or home improvements. — BostonGlobe.com, "Horoscope," 2 June 2020

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.