wait 1 of 2

verb

ˈwāt How to pronounce wait (audio)
Definition of waitnext
as in to stay
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something please wait here, and we'll seat you shortly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wait

2 of 2

noun

as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business there was a long wait for the manager to come and help us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wait
Verb
The project also aims to cut wait times at lights, former Deputy Town Manager Wayne Herron told The Charlotte Observer in July. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2026 What are some of the reasons someone might wait to have sex for the first time? — CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
The purchase of a simple birthday cake for their son can become an existential dilemma — not because of the price but because of other forms of humiliation that lie in wait around the act. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026 But away from these miraculous rescues, the death toll continues to rise – two bodies were recovered from the same site where Lu was found – and other families are still enduring an agonizing wait for news of missing relatives. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
  1. stay
  2. delay
  3. linger
  4. await
  5. remain
Verb
  • However, the unsuccessful pursuits of Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, sagas that ended with both players staying at their Madrid clubs, Real and Atletico respectively, perhaps made acknowledgement of a couple of things.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In Mina, the encampment outside Mecca where millions of pilgrims stay each year, buffet catering is provided, along with occasional surprises such as popcorn machines and ice cream.
    — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of stay
Noun
  • Trading firms began using low-latency (shorter delay) technology and co-locating servers inside exchange data centers, cutting trade execution times to milliseconds and making speed itself a competitive advantage.
    — Brian Lund, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The 14-minute delay came as temperatures reached 90 degrees with 61 percent humidity in Cincinnati.
    — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Still, there was a cloud of public doubt lingering over the event.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The afterburn of his relationship with Charleson lingers affectingly, though.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • Bohm has been out awaiting trial after his family posted $4 million bail.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • With time running out to get the deal done, both clubs agreed to sanction a joint medical and sent private jets to France, awaiting transport for the player to either London or the north east.
    — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of await
Verb
  • The six-machine launch reflects the company’s wider attempt to develop into a more comprehensive supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment rather than remaining focused on a single part of the fabrication process.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Grooming remains one of the biggest threats facing children and families, according to Jenkins.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of remain

Phrases Containing wait

Browse Nearby Words

waists
wait
waited
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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wait

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wait

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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