WAITS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

waits 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of wait

as in stays

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

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waits

2 of 2

noun

plural of wait

as in delays

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 waits

Verb

The grey area here is how long the referee waits before starting the countdown. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 The federal agency normally waits until all of the yearly data is reported to suggest a drop in crime. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Under a communications blackout, a rover team that waits for its commands from Earth has to stop. — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 And then there is a producer fearless enough to cross the minefield, knowing that on the far side waits a festival circuit slightly fatigued by war stories from Ukraine. — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 Most meetings run on the host’s agenda while the client waits to be heard. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 But long waits to enter the stadium — delays that stemmed from operational failures rather than genuine demand — frustrated the same fans who had willingly queued for tickets weeks earlier. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 July 2026 The Albatross sits less than a five-minute walk to the sand, but for guests who don’t feel like carrying their gear, a cute hunter-green buggy waits right out front. — Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026 Nick excitedly waits for him at the train station, and takes him to meet his new friends. — Barry Levitt, Time, 17 July 2026

Noun

Stephen Hunt, chief development officer for VRT, told the council that virtually every rider complaint from long waits at the Senior Center to circuitous routes traced back to a lack of funding rather than mismanagement. — Noah Daly august 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026 While Waymo aims for robotaxis to replace car ownership, current issues like long waits and the inability to easily store personal items hinder this long-term vision. — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The supervisors who wrote the motion, Paloma Aguirre and Terra Lawson-Remer, say that lengthy waits at the border are the responsibility of the federal government. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Martinez also warned that longer border waits could hurt commerce and increase pollution from idling vehicles. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 That does not even include the additional waits associated with security clearances for those who don’t already have them. — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Those at higher risk for longer waits included patients who were uninsured or on Medicaid, Black (compared with white), lower-income, and had a longer travel distance to a treatment center. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026 Hourslong waits were not uncommon at gas stations as not every station had power. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 When video visitation is run well, visitors may appreciate avoiding security screenings, long waits and the harsh correctional environment. — Jillian Turanovic, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waits

Verb

Seminole drive stays alive after a pass interference call on fourth down.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Algarve Six impeccable stays across Portugal's beloved southernmost region.

— Megan Wilkes, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of stays

Noun

That includes bringing in physical and cybersecurity assistance for county clerks, mailing ballots earlier to minimize problems from delays, and creating a provision to allow the governor to declare an emergency in case of interference.

— Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2026
The reduction will likely worsen existing delays and exacerbate transit fees, experts say.

— Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of delays

Verb

This separating of spheres feels particularly crucial given the embarrassment surrounding NFTs that still lingers among many art professionals.

— Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
The next chance of showers and storms arrives Thursday and lingers through the end of the workweek as much muggier-feeling weather blows back into Maryland.

— Cutter Martin, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of lingers

Verb

Albany police said Gallimore has been suspended without pay while the outcome of administrative action against him remains pending.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
With prospects for a deal toward ending the war with Iran unclear, the stability of oil supplies remains uncertain with the Strait of Hormuz nearly closed, blocking a vital route for oil and gas tankers from the Middle East.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026