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
Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
Stricter screening sent the minors’ shelter stays soaring.
—Nicol León, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 July 2025
UnitedHealthcare continues to see more patients use ER and observation stays, with more services being offered and bundled as part of each visit, Noel said.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stay
Verb
How to stay cool during a heat wave When the temperatures climb, the Ohio Department of Health has some advice on how to stay safe and cool.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
Stricter screening sent the minors’ shelter stays soaring.
—Nicol León, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
Guests will be able to book stays and experience life in a luxury bunker before purchasing a unit of their own—each priced at over $1 million.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 July 2025
UnitedHealthcare continues to see more patients use ER and observation stays, with more services being offered and bundled as part of each visit, Noel said.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stay
Cite this Entry
“Stay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stay. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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