Synonyms of wait

wait 1 of 2

verb

ˈwāt 

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

• stay
• linger
• await
• remain
• bide
• hold on
• sit tight
• expect
• hold one's breath
• bide one's time
• hang around
• stick around
• cool one's heels
• stand by
• tarry
• anticipate
• watch (for)

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

• delay
• pause
• holdup
• detention
• postponement
• setback
• hesitation
• deferral
• deferment
• holding pattern
• lag
• respite
• detainment
• holdback
• slowdown
• reprieve
• foot-dragging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of wait

Verb

Many of those patients are willing to wait hours for care, knowing their monthly visit is their only window to see a specialized hematologist. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

There are good reasons for investors to expect the Fed to wait. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Noun

International funding, Patil says, means long waits, complicated contracts and co-production treaties, and Indian filmmakers end up chasing the same grants as professionals from wealthier countries. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

More than two decades after being elected to what was supposed to be a four-year term, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has once again postponed elections, extending a nearly 20-year wait for voters to choose a new legislature. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing wait

• wait on
• wait upon