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
The victims' family thanked the state attorney general's office for bringing closure to the case but expressed disappointment for having to wait 35 years to see the death sentence carried out. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026 Don’t wait to grab the sweaters that steal your heart; these major markdowns won’t last for much longer. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
In her role as secretary of state, Benson says her achievements include upgrades to online services, cutting the average wait time for in-person visits and creating self-service stations at branch offices and grocery stores. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 At the West Chatham Park polling place, election officials ran out of paper ballots and were unable to immediately get more, spurring hours-long waits. — Antonio Perez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
  1. stay
  2. delay
  3. linger
  4. await
  5. remain
Verb
  • Reaves rested from the sideline during the slide, but Redick stayed committed to the pre-determined rotation matrix to ensure star players get their necessary breaks.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The election created an opportunity to give them reasons to stay, build and discover.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of stay
Noun
  • The Flames took a 3-2 lead to the third period, but when Matt Coronato was sent off for delay of game 17 seconds in, the Ducks’ red-hot power play took advantage with Carlsson tying it at 55 seconds.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • His departure comes as the investigation has shown signs of faltering amid a spate of staff turnovers and delays.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • The result is a thick haze that can linger over the capital and surrounding areas for days.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The results raised long-standing concerns over the quality of work and whether the lingering contamination could present risks to the residents.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • Among the division's most high-profile cases under his watch was the prosecution of former national security adviser John Bolton, who pleaded guilty this year to allegations of mishandling classified information and is awaiting sentencing.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Commuting the death sentences of all 548 state prisoners awaiting execution pushes the bounds of his authority once again.
    — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of await
Verb
  • The backstory The first Mandarin Oriental hotel—then called The Mandarin—opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1963 and has remained central to the hotel group’s core values, despite global expansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Despite Newsom’s push to commute all death sentences, capital punishment remains legal in California and prosecutors can continue seeking that punishment.
    — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wait

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wait

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