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
Relevance
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
John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
Hundreds of people have crowded the streets near the disaster site, and families of the missing gathered at a nearby meeting point to wait for news and check a list of names pinned to a notice board.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Those days consistently produce the shortest waits, sometimes only a few minutes.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wait
Verb
While the Draconids might be difficult to watch this year because of how big and bright the full moon promises to shine, wait a bit.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
Hundreds of people have crowded the streets near the disaster site, and families of the missing gathered at a nearby meeting point to wait for news and check a list of names pinned to a notice board.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
Perfect for car rides, restaurant waits, and doctor’s office downtime.
—Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Those days consistently produce the shortest waits, sometimes only a few minutes.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
-
The nearest system of moisture is off to the west, so the Louisville area will stay dry through the weekend.—
Leo Bertucci,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
At 1-3 and trying to give some semblance of help to their top-notch defense and trying to stay alive in an AFC North that appears to be much more flawed than anyone thought a month ago, the Browns need a win.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Pontifical Academies also warned that delay raises systemic risks (economic, social, and health related) echoing the investor logic that policy certainty lowers risk premia.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
That delay could expose Club name Boeing to sizable non-cash accounting charges.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
From this point of view, Xidan Books may seem to suffer from comparison with the Zhongshuge chain, whose outlets are drawing increasing numbers of Beijing readers thanks to interior design that catches the eye and spurs a desire to linger at length.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Some analysts predict the measures could push Tehran to take a tougher nuclear stance, but the lingering threat of US and Israeli attacks gives Iran’s leaders limited strategic flexibility.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Malawian striker Tabitha Chawinga pounced, outrunning a PSG defender and holding up the play to await support from her colleagues.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The 25 that were left were awaiting final veterinary clearance before traveling, said Sainz.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
About 20 living hostages remain captive in desperate conditions, Israeli officials say, and about 25 more are believed to have died, but their bodies have not been returned to their families.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Slegers stopped short of admitting Arsenal are in the land of asking for favours elsewhere to remain in the title race.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share