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
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Naturally, over-the-air updates will continue to be rolled out to ensure the EV stays at the bleeding edge.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Military-grade encryption keeps your data protected, and all activity stays local to the device.
—PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
It all zips up into a compact rectangular case that’s covered in a durable, waterproof material that’ll ensure your tech gear stays safe throughout your travels.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Here's your step-by-step guide to cleaning oak cabinets safely and correctly so your beautiful kitchen stays the heartbeat of your home and the hub for entertaining.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
When a truck backfires on the street outside her office, a colleague is spooked, but Ziva stays perfectly calm — a moment that gains added importance soon enough.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025
Owalas are made with stainless steel, so water stays cold for hours, and the 16-ounce size is ideal for the younger kid crowd.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025
Mark Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Overnight stays come with perks like cheese and wine tastings.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Though the bill is yet to be finalized, the orbital station is cast as the linchpin of sustainable exploration to enable longer stays, partner investment and cislunar monitoring.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
The main residence, which offers access to a fairytale tower, music room, boathouse, tennis court, and a private island, was previously rented out for short-term stays by its current owners.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025
Crathie Kirk is the royal family's go-to church during summer stays at Balmoral Castle, their private residence that's been a summer retreat for generations, and William was seen driving with his wife and kids to a Sunday service.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The competitive awards process required the organization demonstrate how the work being funded would help businesses in the area and attract visitors for overnight stays, a news release said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Terranea is a Coral Tree Hospitality resort, and with their Beyond by Coral Tree loyalty program, guests may earn cash back with stays at member resorts.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
This means even shorter annual stays can add up and result in tax resident status.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
But if inflation stays elevated and the Fed holds—or lifts—rates to fight it, those future cash flows get discounted at a higher rate, shrinking today’s value.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Naturally, over-the-air updates will continue to be rolled out to ensure the EV stays at the bleeding edge.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Military-grade encryption keeps your data protected, and all activity stays local to the device.
—PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
It all zips up into a compact rectangular case that’s covered in a durable, waterproof material that’ll ensure your tech gear stays safe throughout your travels.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Here's your step-by-step guide to cleaning oak cabinets safely and correctly so your beautiful kitchen stays the heartbeat of your home and the hub for entertaining.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
When a truck backfires on the street outside her office, a colleague is spooked, but Ziva stays perfectly calm — a moment that gains added importance soon enough.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025
Owalas are made with stainless steel, so water stays cold for hours, and the 16-ounce size is ideal for the younger kid crowd.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
When visitors change plans or shorten stays, hotel tax revenues decline.
—Mark Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Overnight stays come with perks like cheese and wine tastings.
—Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Though the bill is yet to be finalized, the orbital station is cast as the linchpin of sustainable exploration to enable longer stays, partner investment and cislunar monitoring.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
The main residence, which offers access to a fairytale tower, music room, boathouse, tennis court, and a private island, was previously rented out for short-term stays by its current owners.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025
Crathie Kirk is the royal family's go-to church during summer stays at Balmoral Castle, their private residence that's been a summer retreat for generations, and William was seen driving with his wife and kids to a Sunday service.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The competitive awards process required the organization demonstrate how the work being funded would help businesses in the area and attract visitors for overnight stays, a news release said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Terranea is a Coral Tree Hospitality resort, and with their Beyond by Coral Tree loyalty program, guests may earn cash back with stays at member resorts.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
This means even shorter annual stays can add up and result in tax resident status.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stays. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share