Thesaurus results for WAYLAY

waylay

verb

ˈwā-ˌlā

Definition of waylay

as in to ambush

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

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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 waylay That past haunts Léo throughout his week-long trip to the City of Lights, where he’s waylaid before heading to Italy to deal with the death of his estranged and supposedly wealthy father. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 But that undertaking, primarily fueled by private dollars, has been waylaid due to getting a needed booster flight-qualified. — Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026 What had been perhaps Buxton’s finest overall season has been waylaid by a hip impingement that’s twice landed him on the IL and wrecked his production even when on the field since the start of July. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Or the family might have simply gotten waylaid by other plans. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for waylay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waylay

Verb

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele is demanding the release of four Salvadoran military personnel ambushed by an armed gang in Haiti, warning that the gangs would face his wrath if the men are not returned alive and unharmed.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
The man accused of ambushing two Philadelphia police officers, killing one and wounding another, now faces federal charges.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ambush

Verb

Egypt's president sought to reassure the public that the country wouldn't attack Yemen, and that the military support is limited to defending Saudi territory.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Back in 2023, Stevens revealed he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome—a rare auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves—and was working to relearn how to walk and use his hands.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of attack

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waylaid

waylay

waylaying

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“Waylay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waylay. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of waylay

verb

Example Sentences

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