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

What might be holding them back is an expectation that yields could get even higher if rates go up fast and hard, meaning certain bond investors could be playing a waiting game before piling in. — Sean Conlon,jenni Reid, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Boise has been transforming its airport over the last few years, including by building employee parking and shifting the cell phone waiting lot from the airport’s campus to a lot near Curtis and Victory roads. — Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 Paredes testified that when customers drive up on either side of the building, Blythe Street members retrieve drugs from apartment units inside and run back to the waiting buyer. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Olstead ran to his cubby, put on his jumpsuit and harness, and hurried across the tarmac to the waiting jumpship. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The center runs 15 ultrasound machines, which means almost no waiting time. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 In fact, shouldn’t Samir be the last one to feel the drugs, rather than the first, since his 30-minute waiting period started later? — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 This week through Thursday, average vessel waiting times reached 36 hours, up from 28 hours in the week prior. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 The new tower will be adjacent to the emergency department area, housing an emergency department waiting area along with 180 private patient rooms. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Aug. 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

The watchdog warned that shipyard delays are expected to keep more submarines idle through 2030, creating additional costs and reducing the fleet’s operational capacity.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Due to high traffic, the website is experiencing some technical delays.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

The two companies provide staff for detention centers, beds to house them, and ankle monitors to surveil those out on bond awaiting their hearings.

— Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Gamblers would bet on the fates of prisoners awaiting execution and of prominent people whose illnesses were reported on in the newspaper.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of awaiting

Noun

Someone may be ready to build with you, but hesitation, mixed signals, or too many moving pieces could slow the process down.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
But the full game tape shows those are few and far between — his hesitation and questionable decisions make the lowlights a near-constant.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Verb

Patterson, who turns 27 on Tuesday, has experience at guard and center, and the 49ers needed a backup at both spots considering Toth’s lingering concussion symptoms.

— Matt Barrows, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
For Green, and the Warriors (2-0), the victory eliminated any lingering doubts about their season opener last week, a thrilling, 32-26 triple-overtime win against Newbury Park.

— Joel Beers, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 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