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waylaying

verb

present participle of waylay
as in ambushing
to lie in wait for and attack by surprise a lonely stretch of highway along which unsuspecting tourists are often waylaid by gangs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waylaying
  1. ambushing
  2. attacking
Verb
  • However, officials have yet to determine exactly what type of animal is ambushing the unsuspecting humans.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • After ambushing Nobel hopeful Kersten onboard, Wohmann makes multiple attempts to interview him.
    — Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of ambushing
Verb
  • The consequence is really mechanical attacking that surprises nobody and desperately needs a rogue element.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The baby has been with the couple since birth, and Uthmeier’s office is not attacking their fitness as parents, Jay said.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of attacking
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.

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waylay
waylaying
waylays
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Cite this Entry

“Waylaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waylaying. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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