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

That uncertainty is another reason to stay alert rather than wait for every answer before taking precautions. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

In the context of AI adoption, one of a leader’s key tasks is ultimately to understand the entire flow—where work waits and why. — Illia Smoliienko, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Noun

Well, the wait is finally over and the novela has officially arrived. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026

The delay again has created a potential cash crunch for districts during the wait for their cut — often a main revenue source for local governments — and added to the pile of complaints about the county’s decade-long property tax system upgrade. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing wait

• wait on
• wait upon