as in delay
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026
More than 40 years ago, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a nearly identical five-year waiting period for new residents to benefit from a property tax break.
—Lawrence Mower Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
The waiting only ceased with the collapse of the regime in 1990.
—Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026
The International Jury praised its artistic excellence, sensitive direction and emotional depth in portraying universal themes of love, hope, waiting and motherhood.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 June 2026
But an ordinance, typically used to govern the citizenry as Carlson put it, would require multiple hearings and a 30-day waiting period before implementation.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
What struck me about the UFC fights was the anticipation of blood, the waiting for the final moment, when one man would be at the complete mercy of another, and only the referee’s call would stand between the loser and death.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
After more than a decade of waiting and an afternoon spent earning and then clinging to a lead, Bud Cauley broke into a trot at the RBC Canadian Open.
—Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Why is the hardest part not the risk, but the waiting?
—Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
The White House press pool was still waiting at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for Vance’s departure on Thursday night just before that White House statement came out.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
At one point the automaker had customers waiting anywhere from 40 to 50 days for their vehicles to even get into a shop for repairs.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 18 June 2026
Their teams are producing in hours and waiting days for a review that was scheduled two weeks ago.
—Andrew Antos, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Private equity has been sitting on the sidelines, waiting to see who emerges.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of backlash waiting.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Inez Caldwell was waiting at the bus stop in the 5500 block of East Lancaster Avenue when Hayes’ pickup hit her on a Saturday afternoon in July 2025.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026
Some chatted among themselves, waiting to understand the meaning behind the invitation Saffold passed out to a select few students only weeks before.
—La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
After more than a year of waiting and a few delays, a new spot for big burgers, breakfast sandwiches and more is coming a short drive past the Charlotte border.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026
More than 40 years ago, the Florida Supreme Court struck down a nearly identical five-year waiting period for new residents to benefit from a property tax break.
—Lawrence Mower Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
The waiting only ceased with the collapse of the regime in 1990.
—Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026
The International Jury praised its artistic excellence, sensitive direction and emotional depth in portraying universal themes of love, hope, waiting and motherhood.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 June 2026
But an ordinance, typically used to govern the citizenry as Carlson put it, would require multiple hearings and a 30-day waiting period before implementation.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
What struck me about the UFC fights was the anticipation of blood, the waiting for the final moment, when one man would be at the complete mercy of another, and only the referee’s call would stand between the loser and death.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
After more than a decade of waiting and an afternoon spent earning and then clinging to a lead, Bud Cauley broke into a trot at the RBC Canadian Open.
—Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Why is the hardest part not the risk, but the waiting?
—Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
These teams aren't waiting to feel each other out.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
The White House press pool was still waiting at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for Vance’s departure on Thursday night just before that White House statement came out.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
At one point the automaker had customers waiting anywhere from 40 to 50 days for their vehicles to even get into a shop for repairs.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 18 June 2026
Their teams are producing in hours and waiting days for a review that was scheduled two weeks ago.
—Andrew Antos, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Private equity has been sitting on the sidelines, waiting to see who emerges.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of backlash waiting.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Inez Caldwell was waiting at the bus stop in the 5500 block of East Lancaster Avenue when Hayes’ pickup hit her on a Saturday afternoon in July 2025.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026
Some chatted among themselves, waiting to understand the meaning behind the invitation Saffold passed out to a select few students only weeks before.
—La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waiting
Noun
-
Follow evacuation instructions without delay.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2026
-
But with just a 60-day window to finalize a deal, any delay leaves less time to negotiate peace.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
The challenge for Beckham will be staying healthy during a rigorous training camp after being out of the league for over a year.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
That was a fun one, with both teams staying aggressive throughout the match.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
City planning, procrastination, pomp and circumstance aside, the planet’s biggest sporting has arrived.—
Gavin Godfrey,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
-
The low-pressure gatherings taking place in coffee shops, accommodating bars and private homes are intended to turn tedious and procrastination-inducing adult responsibilities into productive time with a twist.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Smiley Martin died in 2024 in Sacramento County Main Jail awaiting trial in the massacre.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
-
The Charlotte Observer reached out to FIFA regarding the encounter and is awaiting response.—
Eva Flowe
June 18,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
With far less hair, Ella’s green eyes seemed greener, like those of the feral black cats that roamed their hamlet, meowing for table scraps, which were often given without hesitation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2026
-
The result is a workplace trapped between urgency and hesitation.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Inventories are unlikely to fully rebuild given the scale of draws in the first half-year and ongoing government stockpiling, the bank said, while lingering geopolitical risk premium would keep a floor under prices.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
-
Southern Living also noted that local tourism officials are encouraging visitors to return to the region, as many businesses remain open and rely on tourism dollars despite lingering perceptions that the area is still closed following Hurricane Helene.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Turnout was higher than expected for a primary election, and a significant portion of ballots arrived after Election Day, likely due to indecision over the governor’s race.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
-
But with all the indecision of this primary election, many were finding comfort in delivering their votes in person.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Any remaining threats will clear out of the Midwest Thursday and shift into the East.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Wipe the remaining interior with a wet, non-abrasive sponge to remove any residue, then dry with a clean cloth.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Waiting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waiting. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
