1
as in to wait
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
upon seeing the sun beginning to sink in the sky, we realized we had tarried too long on the summit of the mountain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to linger
to move or act slowly
the dean tarried in making his decision, still not sure if he should suspend the student or not
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stay
to reside as a temporary guest
he tarried with us all summer, sleeping on the screened-in porch most nights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of tarry
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Read More: 10 New Year's Traditions From Across the Globe
There was still much reason to pray after Jan. 1, 1863, and so tarrying in prayer on New Year’s Eve became an annual tradition.
—Nyya Toussaint / Made By History, TIME, 31 Dec. 2024
Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, 1 Sep. 2020
Ingestion of sago palm leaves, seeds or other plant parts causes liver failure, usually signaled by drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or a tarry black stool, depression, appetite loss, abdominal pain, lethargy and jaundice.
—Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, 14 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for tarry
Verb
America grew up with these boys and tarried with them through light and dark times.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Read More: 10 New Year's Traditions From Across the Globe
There was still much reason to pray after Jan. 1, 1863, and so tarrying in prayer on New Year’s Eve became an annual tradition.
—Nyya Toussaint / Made By History, TIME, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Often, Petite Sirah produces a wine that is too tarry, too dense, too chewy.
—Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, 1 Sep. 2020
Ingestion of sago palm leaves, seeds or other plant parts causes liver failure, usually signaled by drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or a tarry black stool, depression, appetite loss, abdominal pain, lethargy and jaundice.
—Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, 14 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for tarry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarry
Noun
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After celebrating an Ash Wednesday service with four migrants who had just arrived at a detention center near Chicago, clergy there are working with immigration authorities to set up regular visits.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
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Their weekly grocery bill has dropped from the equivalent of about $400 to $267; fuel and public transport are 40% cheaper; and GP visits cost 25% less – with same-day appointments replacing week-long waits.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Lauer was the lone holdout, waiting until a few weeks before trial to admit guilt.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
10 Mar. 2026
-
This is something people have been waiting for.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This is a day for speaking plainly and clearing up lingering misunderstandings.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Showers may linger through the mid-morning.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Chiles stays perfect Another week, another Jordan Chiles perfect 10.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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There are a multitude of absurd high jinks and shenanigans (really the only words applicable here) that lead to Greg's decision to stay and inevitably fill each episode.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The researchers focused specifically on what is known as the viscous regime in Navier-Stokes equations.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
5 Mar. 2026
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Indigenous people and Spanish settlers utilized the viscous goo for medicinal purposes and waterproofing boats.—
Mery Mogollón,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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As electric vehicle makers struggle to remain relevant, a new competitor is about to hit California’s roads.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The judge reminded the court that Cox filed the motion in January 2026 and refused to delay the hearing.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Mar. 2026
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The upcoming feature, which will allow users to generate adult content using the chatbot for the first time, has been delayed.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Within moments, the toy’s gelatinous interior exploded, dousing scalding material across his face and hands.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
23 Feb. 2026
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The new Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is less gelatinous than its predecessor.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tarry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarry. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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