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
Bell said some patients wait six months for spine surgery and nine months for a joint replacement. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026 While the actual commercial will have to wait for Super Bowl Sunday, the Bosch teaser is another example of brands leaning on star power and unexpected humor to stand out in the weeks ahead of the game. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
TikTok discovered the pleasures of Sushi Fumi, and there is usually a wait. Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 Dearest gentle reader, the wait is almost over. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • Add these to your piles this February, and stay safe!
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • With so many options, consider this your beginner’s guide to where to stay, eat, and play on this luxurious island.
    Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Bridgerton season four wisely ditches the blackmail and delays Bridgerton’s indecent proposal.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Originally supposed to fly Sierra Space Dream Chaser test flight, but payload switched to an inert mass simulator because of potential Dream Chaser delays beyond October launch date.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Multiple royal watchers have claimed the prince has struggled to move beyond the fallout of his dramatic exit from royal life six years ago, citing professional setbacks and lingering personal tensions.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • This lingering becomes the sound of a book in a new room, opening, its music carried in a wind that crosses borders.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The legislation passed the Senate in December and is awaiting approval in the House.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Look for threads with questions that haven’t been answered, attachments awaiting updates or decisions that require alignment.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • However, public opinion polling shows support for Alberta independence remains relatively low.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • How to play Over the longer term, Standard Chartered’s Gill said the bank remains bullish on gold and maintains an overweight position relative to a neutral portfolio allocation.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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