1
as in to remain
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
let's stay inside this pavilion until it stops raining
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill
stay the trial until this new evidence has been processed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
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
1
2
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity
we must work without stay if we are ever to reach our goal of equal rights for everyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
a free press is one of the principal stays of a democratic society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stay
Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
Investors who braved the risks and stayed disciplined were rewarded in part because they were paid to bear them.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The uses aren’t limited to domestic settings; this tiny home would also make a fantastic pop-up shop for your business ventures or other short-term stays.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stay
Verb
When changing your water, make a fresh cut 1-2 inches up the stem to ensure that the vascular system is staying open and clean of any debris or bacteria.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
Investors who braved the risks and stayed disciplined were rewarded in part because they were paid to bear them.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
Two Americans, a Russian man and a French woman are on the cusp of departing to the International Space Station for a nine-month stay.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The uses aren’t limited to domestic settings; this tiny home would also make a fantastic pop-up shop for your business ventures or other short-term stays.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stay
Cite this Entry
“Stay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stay. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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