Synonyms of postpone

postpone

verb

(ˌ)pōs(t)-ˈpōn 

as in to defer

to assign to a later time

we'll have to postpone a decision until we have all the information

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defer
• delay
• wait
• suspend
• shelve
• hesitate
• put over
• put off
• remit
• lay over
• hold over
• hold off (on)
• pause
• stay
• prolong
• slow
• hold up
• extend
• lengthen
• retard
• detain
• stretch (out)
• protract

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• do
• act
• work (on)
• deal (with)
• decide (upon)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word postpone distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of postpone are defer, stay, and suspend. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

Where would defer be a reasonable alternative to postpone?

The meanings of defer and postpone largely overlap; however, defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

In what contexts can stay take the place of postpone?

While in some cases nearly identical to postpone, stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

When can suspend be used instead of postpone?

While the synonyms suspend and postpone are close in meaning, suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of postpone

His eligibility for the presidency was in doubt after he was charged with breaching election laws, but a final ruling on the case was postponed until after the election by South Korea’s High Court. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 June 2025

Acuña has played every game since he was activated May 23, though the Braves had two days off in that span, including Wednesday when the game was postponed by rain. —David O'Brien, New York Times, 29 May 2025

The Braves and Phillies are playing a doubleheader on Thursday after Wednesday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025

Locally, the nearly 1,300 new car dealers in California will pressure the next governor and the Legislature to postpone the unworkable mandates. —John Seiler, Oc Register, 28 May 2025