WAITING Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

waiting 1 of 2

noun

as in delay

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Dissimilar Words

waiting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of wait

as in staying

to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something please wait here, and we'll seat you shortly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 waiting

Noun

In real terms, that means shorter exposure times to pull a clean image out of a faint galaxy or nebula and fewer hours standing in the cold waiting for enough photons to hit the sensor. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026 For now, the next few weeks are a waiting game as the little girl remains in quarantine. — Mamie Bah, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Long waiting times and inconsistent responses reduce customer satisfaction, even when businesses have reliable support staff. — Salman Shahid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 The devastating waiting that defines infertility is depicted amid scenes of pastoral beauty, and distance. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Start with Moore, who has quietly become the film’s frontrunner-in-waiting. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026 White described a waiting area with two conference rooms where an immigration judge and an attorney representing the Homeland Security Department were appearing remotely. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 The stoppage is causing longer vessel and truck waiting times, according to the Port of Rotterdam Authority. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026 The piece was based on a recent study from UCLA that found that waiting times for surgery for nonmetastatic breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal cancer have lengthened across the board over the last 10 years or so. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Verb

Imagine Bret’s surprise to find Robert waiting for him on his bed, having been questioned again thanks to Bret’s accusations. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 The same goes for those who are waiting for an important email or clear response — give it a minute. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Hurtado moved toward the staircase, while a friend told the security guard that Hurtado was waiting for his wife and the group was preparing to leave the club, the lawsuit said. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 Gearheads had been waiting for the ‘Vette to go mid-engined for decades, and finally, Chevy obliged. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026 For Bormann, Canyon’s ASPCA Dog of the Year honor is also a chance to celebrate other shelter dogs whose potential may simply be waiting to be discovered. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Carrie Underwood sings about waiting all day for Sunday night. — Takashi Williams, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Add the eggs one at a time on medium speed, waiting until each is incorporated into the batter and scraping down the bowl before adding the next. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Tehran has about 20 million barrels of crude oil on tankers in Asia waiting to discharge to China, the main recipient of Iranian oil, that is a source of revenue, Smith said. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waiting

Noun

Trading firms began using low-latency (shorter delay) technology and co-locating servers inside exchange data centers, cutting trade execution times to milliseconds and making speed itself a competitive advantage.

— Brian Lund, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
The 14-minute delay came as temperatures reached 90 degrees with 61 percent humidity in Cincinnati.

— Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Text messages outline concerns over a diabetic coma Blodgett was staying at a foster home in metro Phoenix where only the house manager was trained in managing his diabetes.

— Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
There are hotels where the lobby is the main event, designed as much for the people dropping in for a drink as those actually staying there.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of staying

Verb

For the next few minutes, the courtroom was silent, the gallery seemingly resigned to the conclusion and gravely awaiting the jury’s entrance so the judge could formally declare the mistrial.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
After being indicted on wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges, Bedi was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state while awaiting court proceedings, according to the FBI.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of awaiting

Noun

Likewise, when a veteran employee expresses hesitation about a new operational structure, do not label them as resistant to change.

— Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026
For many people, the hesitation around getting hearing aids is attached to cost and how to manage the upfront amount.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Verb

Still, there was a cloud of public doubt lingering over the event.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
For evening observers, this apparition has been more frustrating than triumphant, with Venus lingering low in the glow of twilight instead of climbing into a commanding position.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of lingering

Noun

They are forced to confront their indecision about becoming parents when their divorced friend (Kate Berlant) and her daughter move in with them.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
True commitment allows strategies to develop and succeed, as indecision hinders progress.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of indecision

Verb

As of Thursday, that emergency fund had a remaining balance of $163 million.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Kretinsky has struck a deal with West Ham’s remaining shareholders to increase his stake from 27 per cent to 46 per cent, according to a press release sent out on behalf of the Royal Mail owner on Friday.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026