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
Popular items from Away, Béis, Travelpro, Tumi, and Samsonite will likely be the first to sell out, so don’t wait to shop. — Kayla Becker, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2026 Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
The startup, then, deploys AI agents to handle the tasks that hospitals most need to solve, from long wait times to missed follow-ups to paperwork backlogs. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Fish said part of the issue was that local shelters had people on wait lists this year, especially when Hesed House is at full capacity. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
  1. stay
  2. delay
  3. linger
  4. await
  5. remain
Verb
  • Kelli stays strong as Shamea’s last standing soldier, accusing the other women of trusting a known liar.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Help your car’s air conditioner stay efficient when high temps refuse to let up.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
Definition of stay
Noun
  • That delay is reportedly due to the model’s coding capabilities, in particular, were short of internal expectations.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • Odysseus even implies that his delay in getting home might have as much to do with a guilty conscience as with intervening gods or the enchanting sorceress named Calypso.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • The floods drew attention to still unhealed wounds — and lingering regrets.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • But perhaps the performance that lingers most in our minds is that of Elliot Page, 39, who in just a few short scenes anchors the film with his guileless sincerity and righteous anger.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens told The Bee in a statement the city of Costa Mesa completed its rezoning in April and has been awaiting comments from HCD.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • As the title suggests, the book focuses on Odysseus’ wife Penelope and the slave girls who contend with the suitors while awaiting Odysseus’ return in a misogynistic world where the women are often casualties of the rivalries of men.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of await
Verb
  • Although laws changed in 1829 to allow Catholics to become members of parliament, the idea of a Catholic prime minister remained controversial for many years.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Much of the squad that lifted the trophy is expected to remain together, while Yamal could be an even bigger force by the time the next World Cup arrives.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wait

Nglish: Translation of wait for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wait

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