wait 1 of 2

verb

ˈwāt How to pronounce wait (audio)
Definition of waitnext
as in to stay
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something please wait here, and we'll seat you shortly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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wait

2 of 2

noun

as in delay
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 wait
Verb
These times apply to the random dot-motion task, which inherently requires waiting to see which way things are drifting. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 Some websites may still be down because there are multiple patches available for different types of software, and some organizations may still be waiting to receive them. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
Tarrant County’s wait time tracker frequently showed waits lasting more 45 minutes. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 For the Duo, questions remain about whether Apple can produce enough phones to meet demand for a phone facing unusually long wait times before hitting stores. — Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
  1. stay
  2. delay
  3. linger
  4. await
  5. remain
Verb
  • But scientific progress rarely stays within neat national boxes for long, even when governments would prefer it to.
    — Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • His teachers attributed the problem to his inability to stay focused while using an iPad throughout the day, Byock said.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of stay
Noun
  • By contrast, recent restrictions or delays suggest a greater emphasis on managing relations with Beijing and avoiding unnecessary escalation.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The delay raises a broader question about A24’s international release strategy at a time when social media can turn a film into a global cultural event overnight.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Coming out of Saturday's showdown in Austin, those questions are going to linger over the next five to six weeks.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Moton lingered on the turf for a while, punching the turf in pain and dread, before a cart came out to transport him to the locker room.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • As Ten’s lovelorn prison pen pal Lillian, an immobile shut-in, Peggy Fields Richardson initially appears to be a punchline, but goes on to deliver a nuanced turn as a woman who’s long awaited her chance at romance.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Silverio is currently awaiting extradition to Nevada County, where he will be charged with multiple felonies, including stalking, animal cruelty, and vandalism.
    — Coleman Petit, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of await
Verb
  • Such calculations are part of a wider effort to understand why molecular simulations remain challenging.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of remain

Phrases Containing wait

Browse Nearby Words

waists
wait
waited
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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wait

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