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
Adele waited for her mother to say more. Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Ossoff and Bottoms are both in a period of waiting as their November opponents have yet to be selected. Irene Wright, USA Today, 1 June 2026
Noun
Curiously for Ederson, the wait goes on. James Horncastle, New York Times, 2 June 2026 In June 2025, the agency removed key customer service metrics, such as phone wait times and disability claim processing times, from its website. Katie Savin, Fortune, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • Whistler With a compact village core lined with cafes, restaurants, and galleries, Whistler, home to North America’s largest ski resort, is a natural place to stay overnight (or longer), along the Sea to Sky.
    Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
  • Foreign fans, like other tourists, have heard horror stories about ICE and are electing to stay home.
    Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Sanfilippo is a fatal pediatric neurodegenerative disorder, with each delay in treatment equaling permanent neurological decline.
    Elise Esposito, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
  • Artemis program Due to the Mark 1 issues outlined above, there will either be significant delays to, or the need to restructure the early phases of, the Moon Base program.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • But behind the courteous gesture, there are lingering concerns of how overtourism might impact Ishigaki’s rich natural environment and potentially overwhelm its infrastructure, concerns that extend to other neighboring remote islands.
    Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • Many guests and patrons are regulars, lingering over martinis as a fireplace crackles in the background.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Exciting discoveries await with the opening of various mysterious pristine boxes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The World Cup champion in 2022 is aware of PSG’s interest in him while Atletico awaits an offer exceeding $116 million (€100 million).
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • With approximately 56% of votes counted, analysts say Steyer would need to outperform Becerra by roughly 12 points in remaining ballots to advance to November.
    Ruyuan Li. Story produced with AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2026
  • If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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