wait 1 of 2

as in to stay
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something please wait here, and we'll seat you shortly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

wait

2 of 2

noun

as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business there was a long wait for the manager to come and help us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wait
Verb
After such a huge high, Gray, his team-mates and everyone associated with Leeds were left to wait to find out whether this result would be enough to seal their return to the Premier League. Gregg Evans, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 The Pentagon can no longer afford to wait for the outbreak of the next conflict to enact these changes. Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
The agency had worked the wait down to an average of less than 13 minutes, in part by encouraging customers to wait off the line for a call back. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 The Pitt does a great job depicting what’s really happening with wait times and ER volumes in the U.S., and that is a real struggle for us, too. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • This underwear is lightweight and discreet, and stays fresh all day.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Shevchenko stayed at 135 for her next four fights, going 2-2.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Under cost-cutting orders from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, purchasing cards had been frozen, requiring approvals for all but emergency expenses, which sometimes meant lengthy delays.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Following an initial delay, Nintendo has set the preorder date for its Switch 2 console for April 24.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Still, memories of the show lingered in a few significant minds: both Stephen Sondheim and Fred Ebb felt its influence.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And though a few dozen people left the dinner early to catch the end or start of various performances, which included Charli XCX and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, about half of the long table lingered after dessert to continue chatting with their tablemates.
    Ye Fan, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The deal was extended for 90 days, as the companies await regulatory approval.
    Dawn Chmielewski, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • He was taken into custody Wednesday and remains in the Ocean County jail awaiting a detention hearing, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a post on Facebook.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether cooking for Hollywood stars or crafting simple dishes for his audience, Arya remained grounded in the belief that true success comes from being real, not manufactured.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Others have warned that Trump could just ignore the Constitution and simply remain in office, with no clear way to force him out.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on wait

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!