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
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Recent Examples of stays
Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025
They’re made with a breathable satin material that stays cool throughout the night and have a side zipper to keep them from slipping off pillows.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Bloomingdale’s stays sharply focused on the premium, contemporary and luxury markets.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Ethan Ampadu stays down for five minutes before resuming.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
If Lake Erie stays unfrozen later into winter, snow events could become more intense and frequent than usual.
—Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025
The trail stays level early on and crosses the road a couple of times before descending through a grove of Arizona cypress to a shallow drainage.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 8 Nov. 2025
The interior of the shoe stays true to the brand’s line of classic winter boots, lined with a plush wool blend.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
That communication line stays open until 15 seconds remain on the play clock, leaving scant time to review the previous play.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Rio Yamat, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
BabyBIG works to shorten hospital stays and decrease the severity of illness in babies with botulism.
—CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Affordable stays are common across Tbilisi.
—Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
The nine rooms inside the heritage house blend 1940s elegance with contemporary polish, while the neighboring art deco Simla wing adds larger suites for longer stays.
—Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
During their hospital stays, participants were asked about their drinking habits, either directly or through family members.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Instead of freezing, leadership reframed the model around longer stays as remote work took hold.
—Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Is this what Adelaide experienced following her many procedures and hospital stays?
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Rates for overnight stays depend on the date and room size, with rooms available for as little as $129 per night in early November.
—Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
The couple that superheroes together stays together?
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025
They’re made with a breathable satin material that stays cool throughout the night and have a side zipper to keep them from slipping off pillows.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Bloomingdale’s stays sharply focused on the premium, contemporary and luxury markets.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Ethan Ampadu stays down for five minutes before resuming.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
If Lake Erie stays unfrozen later into winter, snow events could become more intense and frequent than usual.
—Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025
The trail stays level early on and crosses the road a couple of times before descending through a grove of Arizona cypress to a shallow drainage.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 8 Nov. 2025
The interior of the shoe stays true to the brand’s line of classic winter boots, lined with a plush wool blend.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
That communication line stays open until 15 seconds remain on the play clock, leaving scant time to review the previous play.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
However, they aren’t required to cover extra costs like meals or hotel stays — unless the delay or cancellation was within their control, according to the Department of Transportation.
—Rio Yamat, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
BabyBIG works to shorten hospital stays and decrease the severity of illness in babies with botulism.
—CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Affordable stays are common across Tbilisi.
—Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
The nine rooms inside the heritage house blend 1940s elegance with contemporary polish, while the neighboring art deco Simla wing adds larger suites for longer stays.
—Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
During their hospital stays, participants were asked about their drinking habits, either directly or through family members.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Instead of freezing, leadership reframed the model around longer stays as remote work took hold.
—Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Is this what Adelaide experienced following her many procedures and hospital stays?
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Rates for overnight stays depend on the date and room size, with rooms available for as little as $129 per night in early November.
—Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stays. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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