wait 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
Share a bold idea with a mentor, then take a clear first step, even if certain aspects of your plan must wait for timing or budget reasons. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026 The challenge is waiting there for any Rangers fans for the next 80-ish games at Globe Life during the 2026 season. R.j. Coyle, Dallas Morning News, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
So far, her AI legal firm has served more than 500 companies and counting, with another 2,500 startups on the wait list. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026 For Glover, the wait for a transplant was both physical and emotional. Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • While the situation may feel serious, Lipsher stressed that preparation is about staying ahead of the problem, not panicking.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Costs, such as equipment, have crept up over time while soybean prices have stayed low.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But outside of the horror community and cult-movie devotees, there’s still ample misunderstanding about what Faces of Death really is — and that’s not likely to be remedied by the arrival of Daniel Goldhaber’s 2026 film, Faces of Death, now hitting theaters after a lengthy postproduction delay.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Diapers may use synthetic musks to create fragrances as well as plastics that contain chemicals such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds, which studies have linked to developmental delays, reproductive harm, endocrine system disruption and cancer.
    Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Just the check, the soft clatter of plates and that lingering smell of basil and coconut that follows you out the door.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The children are now in the fourth grade, but Thompson believes their friend’s death has had a lingering impact on their lives.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Perez, who appeared at the Monday hearing, remains held in Yolo County custody awaiting the July court date.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The suspect police were looking for, based on a tip from a confidential informant, was living in a different apartment, and was wearing a police tracking device while awaiting trial for a recent arrest.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Even as China remains one of Iran’s biggest diplomatic allies, President Xi Jinping’s support for the Islamic Republic is being constrained by a vast trail of Chinese capital across the Gulf.
    Bloomberg, Bloomberg, 10 Apr. 2026
  • With just three games remaining in their season after Thursday, the Stars could be looking at another disastrous injury.
    R.J. Coyle, Dallas Morning News, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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