wait 1 of 2

Definition of waitnext
as in to stay
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something please wait here, and we'll seat you shortly

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wait

2 of 2

noun

as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business there was a long wait for the manager to come and help us

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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 wait
Verb
Third-party sites like Airport Insight and TSA Wait Times also offer wait times. Eve Chen, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026 Who is wearing a referee jersey besides Rob Lowe, sitting in the stands waiting for a FOX cutaway to promote a new TV series? Troy Renck, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
At other airports, including Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, volunteers handed out water and snacks to help passengers endure the record-breaking wait times, news outlet WBALTV reported. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026 Authorities say Wang and Pearl conspired to murder Chengli Li in June 2024 in San Gabriel, that Wang paid Pearl but then joined him at the crime scene, lying in wait for the victim before Pearl earned his salary by fatally shooting Li in an ambush and driving off in Wang’s struck. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • Come for the jazz—from Grammy Award-winning bassists to young powerhouse vocalists—but stay for the chic atmosphere.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • While Miami has stayed just below the $4 mark, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton/West Palm Beach County have broken the barrier.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This time, however, travelers are already facing long lines and delays due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has left thousands of TSA workers without pay.
    De'Anthony Taylor, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2026
  • If there had been even a 30-second delay, Wilson might be alive, Pastor Ronald Blackwood told Wilson’s family and friends last Saturday at his funeral service at the Star of David Funeral Chapel in North Lauderdale.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The primary suite is described as storage-rich and spa-like, with multiple closets and a bath built for lingering.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But Paddack won’t let the sting linger.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Eagerly awaited in the city, the first Italian property from Corinthia has opted for classic hospitality, emphasising comfort and discretion.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • As Duckett awaits his fate, USA TODAY is looking deeper at the case, the recent court actions and why the DNA hasn't been tested until now.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Upon arriving, the drone will remain up to 300 feet in the air while a pod, attached by a tether and carrying the product, descends to the ground.
    Chase Jordan March 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Following the money While much of the money’s final destination remains unclear, the documents offer glimpses into how some of it was spent.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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