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
Osceola residents can also vote early through Sunday while those in Lake and Seminole need to do it by today or wait until Tuesday. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 Daniels might have also waited too long to enforce his legal rights. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
Visitors also saw shorter wait times, but not because of smaller crowds. — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Donahue and his coauthors also note that the wait time increases disproportionally hit socioeconomically vulnerable patients. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
  1. stay
  2. delay
  3. linger
  4. await
  5. remain
Verb
  • That becomes particularly important when organizations rely on pop-up conversations and informal check-ins as their primary means of staying aligned.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Meshkati said the public has to stay involved with the process.
    — Gio Insignares, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of stay
Noun
  • Airlines around the world are currently plagued by delays in their efforts to deliver new premium offerings — including increasing passenger demand for privacy, high-tech connectivity and inflight entertainment — to meet the surge in air travel.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The delay will give the city more time to consider employee parking, parking demand and other ways to get downtown.
    — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • As the train gains elevation, dense coastal forest gradually gives way to alpine tundra, glacial lakes, rocky peaks, and, early in the season, lingering snowfields before reaching the White Pass Summit at 2,885 feet.
    — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The next chance of showers and storms arrives Thursday and lingers through the end of the workweek as much muggier-feeling weather blows back into Maryland.
    — Cutter Martin, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • That ironic reality may await passengers on KLM’s new Amsterdam-Toronto route this fall, among other major carriers.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Oil prices bounced around before finishing higher Tuesday while global stocks were mixed as markets awaited a key inflation report expected to influence upcoming monetary policy decisions.
    — Betty Nguyen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of await
Verb
  • Albany police said Gallimore has been suspended without pay while the outcome of administrative action against him remains pending.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Moscow denied it, but such dual-use items as drone components, flak jackets or thermal weapon sights remain available on the platform.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 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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