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.
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Recent Examples of stays
Jane Sadowsky, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Its FlowState Stabilization and 360-degree Horizon Lock ensure your footage stays level and buttery-smooth without a gimbal, while the Invisible Selfie Stick effect enables impossible third-person views.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Your current-year tax bill stays the same.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Every year, Hakone illuminates its cherry blossoms and stays open late on several nights for visitors to stroll the grounds.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
That’s what determines whether a crowd stays stable or tips toward danger.
—Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Mary Jane usually stays open longer than Winter Park.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
For Opening Day, though, the safer expectation is that the roof stays closed.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
Sbranti told The Sacramento Bee earlier this month that the Democrat rents a room in the home and stays there when in his East Bay district.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
Detention stays are lengthening in part because of the administration's decision last summer to restrict bond hearings in immigration court.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
Use points and cards strategically Travel credit cards, loyalty programs, and airline miles can unlock upgrades, free stays, and lounge access without extra cost.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Using travel credit cards, loyalty programs, and airline miles can unlock upgrades, free stays, and lounge access that elevate your trip without extra cost.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Throughout the region, Airbnbs and agriturismi tend to offer the most authentic stays.
—Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
Heat leaks back in at around 7 to 8 watts through the insulation, so the ice stays frozen for several days with minimal loss, well beyond a single night’s cooling requirement.
—Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
The law prevents motels, hotels, or other similar businesses with at least four rooms from offering hourly stays.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Dedicated maîtres de maison and private chefs will curate personalized stays, complemented by a beach bar and welcome pavilion.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
In larger groups especially, that voice often stays quiet.
—Jane Sadowsky, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Its FlowState Stabilization and 360-degree Horizon Lock ensure your footage stays level and buttery-smooth without a gimbal, while the Invisible Selfie Stick effect enables impossible third-person views.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Your current-year tax bill stays the same.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Every year, Hakone illuminates its cherry blossoms and stays open late on several nights for visitors to stroll the grounds.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
That’s what determines whether a crowd stays stable or tips toward danger.
—Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Mary Jane usually stays open longer than Winter Park.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
For Opening Day, though, the safer expectation is that the roof stays closed.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
Sbranti told The Sacramento Bee earlier this month that the Democrat rents a room in the home and stays there when in his East Bay district.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
Fans can request to book one of 10 one-night stays running from April 6 through April 16, with accommodations for up to four guests per visit.
—Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
Detention stays are lengthening in part because of the administration's decision last summer to restrict bond hearings in immigration court.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026
Use points and cards strategically Travel credit cards, loyalty programs, and airline miles can unlock upgrades, free stays, and lounge access without extra cost.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Using travel credit cards, loyalty programs, and airline miles can unlock upgrades, free stays, and lounge access that elevate your trip without extra cost.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Throughout the region, Airbnbs and agriturismi tend to offer the most authentic stays.
—Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
Heat leaks back in at around 7 to 8 watts through the insulation, so the ice stays frozen for several days with minimal loss, well beyond a single night’s cooling requirement.
—Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
The law prevents motels, hotels, or other similar businesses with at least four rooms from offering hourly stays.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Dedicated maîtres de maison and private chefs will curate personalized stays, complemented by a beach bar and welcome pavilion.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stays. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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