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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
Share a smart idea with a neighbor, then turn it into a clear message while your mind stays agile. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 Anderson had arrived safely and was staying overnight in the La Guaira hotel before returning home, Salcedo said in an interview with Reuters news agency. Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Noun
That means this would be the Dodgers’ only visit to Sutter Health Park during the A’s temporary stay that’s expected to run out after 2027. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 There, Hoshinoya Tokyo is like a high-rise ryokan for an authentic stay and rooftop onsen. Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stay
Verb
  • But the fear of being snatched by ICE agents remains, Neel said.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • The White River remains a big draw, too, though Stephenson notes that public access points along the banks are becoming increasingly scarce.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • When there was a pause in the action, referee Raphael Claus stopped the match to look at VAR to determine whether Balogun committed a foul worthy of a red card.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Making new friends isn’t something that has to stop at a certain point in your life.
    Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Those who don't see their scores by Monday may have to wait a little longer, as exams taken later in the testing period may take longer to process, according to the College Board's FAQ.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • If the shrub was diseased or large roots remain in the soil, waiting at least six months to a year is recommended.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • But in a 5-1 win at Truist Park, the visiting Cardinals made two errors.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • Breakthrough has relationships with several schools in the area and regularly visits schools to present its program to area fourth graders, Cox said.
    Austin Horn July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Two firefighters died from injures sustained while fighting the blaze.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The company may be showing some signs of financial stabilization, but sustaining a turnaround will depend on whether change takes hold throughout the entire organization.
    Andrew Staples, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Freight rates rose rapidly in May as carriers added more fuel surcharges and general rate increases amid the war in Iran and near-cessation of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 30 June 2026
  • Now its people should rise up and demand a cessation of cruelty that threatens to paint another stain of shame on the legacy of this great nation.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Overall, half of Americans (50%) support displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, including 83% of White evangelicals and 72% of Republicans.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Trailing 3-1 in the third, Ohtani provided his own run support, singling to center to score Alex Freeland from second after the Dodgers infielder had led off with a double.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The blaze, which officials at one point estimated could reach 50 acres, had been halted at 5 acres.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Three cases reached the Supreme Court under emergency requests to halt deportation flights.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stay. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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