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

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

Phrases Containing wait

• wait on
• wait upon