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
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 22 June 2026 Can’t wait to add more memories to our collection. Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
Noun
In recent years, lengthy wait times for interviews have become a significant barrier to travel. Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026 Don't underestimate wait times We were supposed to have a two-and-a-half-hour layover at Heathrow on our way to Florence. Josh Rivera, USA Today, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • There was an email about Nuno staying, then constant emails about renewing.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Swimming pools, movie theaters and shopping malls are places to stay cool.
    Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Earlier, near the Simon Bolivar International Airport — an area also heavily impacted by the quakes — residents complained of delays in resuming rescue operations.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • After having seen clients with months of delays, recently Akimoto has some clients who filed to renew their DACA protection in April and May and got their approvals within six weeks.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The town’s predicament highlights the limits of any ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and the lingering hardship faced by residents whose lives have been upended by years of conflict.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Robertson answered any lingering questions about his game with his franchise-caliber play.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Some end up at the Miami Federal Detention Center, which normally holds criminal defendants awaiting trial or sentencing.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • The Mende awaited trial in New Haven, where local communities offered housing and legal aid.
    Calista Oetama, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • But the fear of being snatched by ICE agents remains, Neel said.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • The White River remains a big draw, too, though Stephenson notes that public access points along the banks are becoming increasingly scarce.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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