1
as in to wait
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
upon seeing the sun beginning to sink in the sky, we realized we had tarried too long on the summit of the mountain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to linger
to move or act slowly
the dean tarried in making his decision, still not sure if he should suspend the student or not
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stay
to reside as a temporary guest
he tarried with us all summer, sleeping on the screened-in porch most nights
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 tarry
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
To avoid suspicion, the young men decided to tarry for a couple of days rather than cross into the neighboring socialist republic right away.
—
Longreads,
6 July 2022
Esther Mobley,
SFChronicle.com,
1 Sep. 2020
Ingestion of sago palm leaves, seeds or other plant parts causes liver failure, usually signaled by drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or a tarry black stool, depression, appetite loss, abdominal pain, lethargy and jaundice.
—
Kim Campbell Thornton,
sacbee,
14 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for tarry
Verb
America grew up with these boys and tarried with them through light and dark times.
—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
To avoid suspicion, the young men decided to tarry for a couple of days rather than cross into the neighboring socialist republic right away.
—
Longreads,
6 July 2022
Adjective
Often, Petite Sirah produces a wine that is too tarry, too dense, too chewy.
—
Esther Mobley,
SFChronicle.com,
1 Sep. 2020
Ingestion of sago palm leaves, seeds or other plant parts causes liver failure, usually signaled by drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or a tarry black stool, depression, appetite loss, abdominal pain, lethargy and jaundice.
—
Kim Campbell Thornton,
sacbee,
14 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for tarry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarry
Noun
-
So, during Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy’s visit to India last week, quick commerce was undoubtedly in focus.
-
The best ports are those that can spread visitors across multiple experiences, from short walks and museum visits to full-day scenic drives.
Verb
-
Those who don't see their scores by Monday may have to wait a little longer, as exams taken later in the testing period may take longer to process, according to the College Board's FAQ.
-
If the shrub was diseased or large roots remain in the soil, waiting at least six months to a year is recommended.
Verb
-
FireSat will help incident commanders get better information more quickly, and, unlike fire-spotting aircraft, the satellites can linger over a fire for days or weeks and aren’t hampered by high winds or smoke.
-
The severe weather threat will linger for parts of the mid-Atlantic on Sunday, stretching from northern Virginia into southern New Jersey, with cities like Richmond, DC, Baltimore and Philly in the threat zone once again.
Verb
-
The bike folds down compactly, and the wheels handily stay locked together thanks to a little hook.
-
Matthew Doane, a Sacramento resident, also stayed until the finish.
Adjective
-
Neusch saw a couple of the house’s fire-andys roll along the balcony, their extinguisher nozzles deployed over the railings, pumping clouds of viscous yellow retardant foam into the atrium.
-
The primary health benefit of oats comes from beta-glucan, a viscous soluble fiber that affects cholesterol metabolism.
Verb
-
Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.
-
There’s enough cash on hand for Rhaenyra to administer the Seven Kingdoms for a fortnight, and no one remaining from the old regime — not Alicent, not Orwyle — knows where Lannister hid the rest of the ingots.
Verb
-
Trump is speaking now to a crowd filling the National Mall after being delayed by inclement weather.
-
Attendees were told to shelter in nearby government buildings, and the celebration was delayed by a few hours before going on as scheduled.
Adjective
-
Now that these lovable chaos agents are joined by all manner of fearsome, gelatinous people-eaters, parents might be wondering whether to have their youngest tykes sit this installment out.
-
Warmer ocean temperatures can also increase the presence of sea jellies and other gelatinous creatures, Jaros said.
Cite this Entry
“Tarry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
