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

Cordovez said families may not wait indefinitely for the city to reopen the pools. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

Still training away from the group individually on Saturday, however, Rodri will probably not make the trip and should wait to make his official debut. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Noun

Stephen Hunt, chief development officer for VRT, told the council that virtually every rider complaint from long waits at the Senior Center to circuitous routes traced back to a lack of funding rather than mismanagement. — Noah Daly august 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026

For the soldiers who survived Sultan Yacoub, the news ended a wait that had followed them for much of their lives. — Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing wait

• wait on
• wait upon