1
as in remains
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
let's stay inside this pavilion until it stops raining
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stops
to bring (something) to a standstill
stay the trial until this new evidence has been processed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in waits
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
we'll stay for a while longer and see if anyone shows up
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in visits
to reside as a temporary guest
let's stay at a quaint inn rather than at some generic motel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sustains
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
beams being used to stay the bridge while it is undergoing repairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in sojourns
a temporary residing as another's guest
my mother-in-law is coming for a brief stay next week
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in halts
the stopping of a process or activity
we must work without stay if we are ever to reach our goal of equal rights for everyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in supports
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
a free press is one of the principal stays of a democratic society
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 stays
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The water- and sweat-resistant formula holds up during long days outside, while the lightweight finish stays comfortable without pilling or turning greasy.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026
The Petti Restaurant mitigates this by covering the containers in mud, creating a striking building that stays a little cooler in India's intense heat.
—Adam Williams
april 24, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026
As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Details and other deals, including up to 25% off resort hotel stays of at least 4 nights this summer, can be found on the Offers and Discounts page of Disneyland’s website.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
The soil stays stable, which is exactly what ground-nesting bees need.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Nuclear energy reliance stays strong The United States is the world’s largest producer of nuclear power, with 94 operational reactors accounting for about 30% of global generation of nuclear electricity.
—Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The single most important thing for England’s campaign is that Kane stays fit, especially through the climax of the Champions League.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
Equipped with a clear sense of what heartfelt hospitality looks like, thanks to hundreds of Airbnb stays, and the belief that tourism and hospitality, done right, can conserve what’s precious, the seeds for Tella Thera were planted.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
By 2036, the agency aims to sustain a continuous human presence through habitable outposts capable of supporting four-person crews for month-long stays.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
The messages seemed to show Felix Wanjala, who was the hospital’s CEO during Abraaj’s ownership, apparently pressuring doctors to meet daily admissions targets and extend peoples’ hospital stays.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
The biggest tip to keep in mind to ensure cauliflower stays fresh?
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
The residency-style run that will take him to multiple cities for extended stays is in support of his upcoming album Kiss All the Time.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Members can reserve Lost Key Cottage for overnight stays, family gatherings, and more.
—Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
She was also accused of using her card to pay for at least $9,000 in travel expenses for airline tickets, hotel stays, meals, car rentals, a trip with her mother to the Dominican Republic, and a trip to Las Vegas with her then-boyfriend.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
While many college corners lean on lax officiating to grab and maul, Johnson stays disciplined.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The water- and sweat-resistant formula holds up during long days outside, while the lightweight finish stays comfortable without pilling or turning greasy.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026
The Petti Restaurant mitigates this by covering the containers in mud, creating a striking building that stays a little cooler in India's intense heat.
—Adam Williams
april 24, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026
As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Details and other deals, including up to 25% off resort hotel stays of at least 4 nights this summer, can be found on the Offers and Discounts page of Disneyland’s website.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
The soil stays stable, which is exactly what ground-nesting bees need.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Nuclear energy reliance stays strong The United States is the world’s largest producer of nuclear power, with 94 operational reactors accounting for about 30% of global generation of nuclear electricity.
—Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The single most important thing for England’s campaign is that Kane stays fit, especially through the climax of the Champions League.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
The town offers a mix of boutique stays, vibrant dining spots, and a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene with year-round appeal.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
Equipped with a clear sense of what heartfelt hospitality looks like, thanks to hundreds of Airbnb stays, and the belief that tourism and hospitality, done right, can conserve what’s precious, the seeds for Tella Thera were planted.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
By 2036, the agency aims to sustain a continuous human presence through habitable outposts capable of supporting four-person crews for month-long stays.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
The messages seemed to show Felix Wanjala, who was the hospital’s CEO during Abraaj’s ownership, apparently pressuring doctors to meet daily admissions targets and extend peoples’ hospital stays.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
The biggest tip to keep in mind to ensure cauliflower stays fresh?
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
The residency-style run that will take him to multiple cities for extended stays is in support of his upcoming album Kiss All the Time.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Members can reserve Lost Key Cottage for overnight stays, family gatherings, and more.
—Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
She was also accused of using her card to pay for at least $9,000 in travel expenses for airline tickets, hotel stays, meals, car rentals, a trip with her mother to the Dominican Republic, and a trip to Las Vegas with her then-boyfriend.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stays. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
