wait 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
And also, dogs would be used to flush out deer hiding in bushes or in steep terrain, to expose them to waiting sharpshooters. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026 Airports in New Orleans, Atlanta and several other cities reported longer than normal wait times. Tricia Escobedo, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
Multiple Open Table users complimented the wait staff. Ella Gonzales march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026 Many said their wait time was even shorter, sometimes within a week of applying. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • Chiles stays perfect Another week, another Jordan Chiles perfect 10.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The delay is limiting discussion on an important topic, said Stephanie Richard, a clinical professor who leads the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative at Loyola Law School, which released its own comprehensive report on human trafficking and the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in December.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • So, everyday purchases such as clothing, phone cases, small appliances, and shoes remain subject to tariffs and customs delays.
    Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Outside San Pedro, gorgeous white-sand beaches await.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The bill passed the Assembly in late January and is awaiting a committee hearing in the upper chamber.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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