stay of execution

noun phrase

: an order that temporarily stops an execution
The court issued a stay of execution.

Examples of stay of execution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The 2023 League Cup win broke a six-year trophy drought at the club, and the 2024 FA Cup win over Guardiola’s City likely earned him a stay of execution after a dismal eighth-place league finish. Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025 The Supreme Court rejected Windom's final appeal for a stay of execution on Wednesday. Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 Attorneys with the Federal Defender Services of Idaho now requested that the judge reinstate the stay of execution. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 22 Aug. 2025 Even with their flaws and mistakes, Rob Pelinka and rookie coach JJ Redick earned at least a stay of execution. Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for stay of execution

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stay of execution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stay%20of%20execution. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!