delay 1 of 2

as in wait
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business there was a delay for our boarding while the airplane unloaded incoming passengers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

delay

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word delay different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of delay are dally, dawdle, lag, loiter, and procrastinate. While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure).

we cannot delay any longer

Where would dally be a reasonable alternative to delay?

The words dally and delay can be used in similar contexts, but dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.

stop dallying and get to work

When can lag be used instead of delay?

In some situations, the words lag and delay are roughly equivalent. However, lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.

lagging behind in technology

How do loiter and dawdle relate to one another, in the sense of delay?

Both loiter and dawdle imply delay while in progress, especially in walking, but dawdle more clearly suggests an aimless wasting of time.

loitered at several store windows
children dawdling on their way home from school

When is procrastinate a more appropriate choice than delay?

The synonyms procrastinate and delay are sometimes interchangeable, but procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy.

procrastinates about making decisions

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 delay
Noun
Highlights Ultimate Puzzle Challenge Screen-free entertainment saves the day during long waits, flight delays, or times when devices need charging. Gabriela Garcia, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025 Expect delays, especially during peak travel times. Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Host Jimmy Kimmel milked the moment, delaying confirming that their answer was correct for a very tense minute. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025 Disadvantages can include delaying the diagnosis of developmental disabilities and the financial strain of an extra year of childcare. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delay
Noun
  • Highlights Ultimate Puzzle Challenge Screen-free entertainment saves the day during long waits, flight delays, or times when devices need charging.
    Gabriela Garcia, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Turner said the responses for Idaho 55 accidents take up the bulk of local emergency resources, leading to waits for Boise County residents.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • From this point of view, Xidan Books may seem to suffer from comparison with the Zhongshuge chain, whose outlets are drawing increasing numbers of Beijing readers thanks to interior design that catches the eye and spurs a desire to linger at length.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Some analysts predict the measures could push Tehran to take a tougher nuclear stance, but the lingering threat of US and Israeli attacks gives Iran’s leaders limited strategic flexibility.
    Semafor Events, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fans have been waiting for Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor to duke it out in the octagon, but injuries and other factors have postponed the bout.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Chichester’s match against Lewes on Saturday was postponed and Tuesday night’s game against Cheshunt will not be going ahead either.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With marker John McGinn behind him, the midfielder attempted to drag the ball back and evade the challenge.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • If the shutdown drags on for more than a few days, a report on inflation scheduled for mid-October could also be delayed.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Joseph VonNida deferred questions about the state’s version of that unit to the Department of Homeland Security.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Cox also called for unity in hopes of deferring political violence.
    Lee Ann Anderson, The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Textured toys overhead amuse babies on their backs while musical toys entertain during tummy time and when learning to crawl.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Teams have for days meticulously tunneled under the rubble, crawling on their hands and knees searching for signs of life, knowing the unstable structure could again buckle upon them.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That meant Hufanga spent a good chunk of the offseason not just learning a new system, but getting poked and prodded by his new coaches and running mate Jones.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The star compares calling out the sketch, which poked fun at her accent and teeth, to confronting a bully.
    Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This explains, in part, why tests aiming to measure the real-world utility of AI models have existed for software engineering since at least 2023, but have lagged in other white-collar domains.
    Nikita Ostrovsky, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Nike’s finance boss Matthew Friend said the company’s direct-to-consumer business will not return to growth in fiscal 2026, with North America leading recovery and China lagging behind.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Delay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delay. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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