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

Lab staff, mid-experiment, hid under their benches and waited there for hours. — Daniel Jernigan, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026

After an hour and a half, Hubbard emerged, with his head down, then looked up at his team, who were standing outside waiting for him. — Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

Running back Roger Craig, a three-time Super Bowl champion and the first player with 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in a season, finally enters via the senior ballot after a long wait. — John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The millennial pop princess made her return to the stage following a 10-year music hiatus—and her tour outfits alone justified the decade-long wait. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing wait

• wait on
• wait upon