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

Coming out of their meetings this week at Big Ten headquarters, the College Football Playoff committee is now formally waiting to see what ESPN is willing to offer for an expansion from 12 teams to 24. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Slow down, increase your following distance, and watch for school buses and children waiting near roadways, who may be difficult to see in fog. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Noun

Instead, that would have to wait a few months longer, after a gantlet of inspections that included long waits was finally finished. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

Check-in and check-out are swift, valet has relatively little wait time, and the restaurant staff is accustomed to serving meals around performances at the Merrill Theater across the street. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing wait

• wait on
• wait upon