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Definition of staynext
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as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something we'll stay for a while longer and see if anyone shows up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to visit
to reside as a temporary guest let's stay at a quaint inn rather than at some generic motel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stay

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verb (2)

as in to sustain
to hold up or serve as a foundation for beams being used to stay the bridge while it is undergoing repairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

stay

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noun (1)

stay

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noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stay distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of stay are defer, postpone, and suspend. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

When might defer be a better fit than stay?

The words defer and stay are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

When would postpone be a good substitute for stay?

The meanings of postpone and stay largely overlap; however, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

Where would suspend be a reasonable alternative to stay?

The words suspend and stay can be used in similar contexts, but suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

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 stay
Verb
Nashville Historical Foundation board member Sandra Shelton says that Suffragist leader Carrie Chapman Catt, who stayed for six weeks at the Hermitage Hotel working on ratification, was a frequent guest of the tea room. Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 17 May 2026 Taraboulsy, known for his work on The Grill Iron and The Kardashians, has largely stayed private about his relationship with the actress. Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Noun
Thanks to Medi-Cal, her labor, delivery and her son’s NICU stay, were covered. Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 Finally, for sweeping sea views, book a stay at coastal Therasia Resort near the extinct Vulcanello. Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stay
Verb
  • Burrow has dealt with injuries throughout his career but remains one of the premier talents at the position when healthy.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • But the billionaires’ tax cuts remain.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The flotilla boats were stopped around 90-100 miles from the Gaza coastline, according to the flotilla's website tracker.
    May 19, CBS News, 19 May 2026
  • Those unable to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping should have a parent remain close enough to reach them.
    Laura Berrios, AJC.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The big white buses were jammed to capacity by midday, as were the bus stops, where people often had to wait for several shuttles to pass before one arrived with room.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Consumers seeking a replacement voucher can visit the recall page on the company’s website, according to the notice.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Considering that teams can bring players into their buildings in their respective cities for pre-draft workouts, attend pro days held by players’ agencies and visit prospects elsewhere, the combine meetings are only a small part of the draft process.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Now, a new study suggests researchers may have found the first drug regimen capable of rapid and sustaining relief from suicidal thoughts across a broad group of patients.
    Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Officials allege the group sold the oil under false pretenses and used the profits to sustain and expand the original food fraud scheme.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Castro Searching for Cubans lost at sea Basulto founded Brothers to the Rescue in 1991 during a crushing economic crisis in Cuba following the fall of the Soviet Union and the cessation of subsidies to the communist island.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 18 May 2026
  • These are intended to offer an appealing alternative smoking cessation product for adults who wish to quit.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • When the Moon enters Taurus, support feels steady enough to believe.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The endorsement comes on the heels of a poll by a super PAC formed in support of Goldman’s that found the congressmember is trailing Lander by 5% in the race.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The new honey-gold edition continues to use this innovation, which allows the tourbillon to be halted at any moment by an arresting spring, regardless of the position of the balance or cage, enabling precise, one-second time setting.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • The land was dedicated as a park in 2008, but the Great Recession halted city spending on the project.
    Mark Dee May 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stay. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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