wait 1 of 2

verb

ˈwāt How to pronounce wait (audio)
Definition of waitnext
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

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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
For many families still waiting to move in, this has sparked hope. — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 Paramedics are often able to perform duties on-site or in the back of an ambulance that elsewise would have to wait until a patient gets to a hospital emergency room. — Mike Enright, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
Now the wait is on for Leon County Judge David Frank to decide whether to toss a series of lawsuits or order the state’s attorney general to rewrite what voters will read. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 There's often a line forming at Tony's even before opening, with waits for a table typically lasting at least an hour. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
  1. stay
  2. delay
  3. linger
  4. await
  5. remain
Verb
  • Nearly 8,000 hectares of forest have also been lost, according to Zainetti, who stayed to help coordinate the emergency response.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Connecting rooms are available (as are babysitting services), and the young visitors staying at the same time as us were embraced with just the same warmth and care as their parents.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of stay
Noun
  • While most of Saturday should see play continue, there may be a delay on Sunday before play can resume in the afternoon.
    — Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • That phase will include the removal of bridges, among other heavy items that will cause delays, and take … a long time.
    — Mac Engel July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Starting in Arraez’s place was Basabe, who has spent more time with the club than originally anticipated due to Matt Chapman’s lingering abdominal strain.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Skubal’s arrival answers whatever lingering questions there were about the Dodgers’ quest for a third straight title, as well as ones yet to pop up.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • Insider tip Take the living room stairs up to the second floor where a secluded lounge area awaits.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Boxing enthusiasts eagerly await an explosive showdown as Lamont Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) battles William Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) for the vacant WBC lightweight championship.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of await
Verb
  • Hot spots still burned within a 420-square-kilometer (162-square-mile) scar, thousands remained unable to return home, and nearly 3,000 firefighters were deployed against the Gironde megafire and a second blaze in Provence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This is a long-term problem the agency is working on, but remains unresolved.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of remain

Phrases Containing wait

Browse Nearby Words

waists
wait
waited
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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wait

Nglish: Translation of wait for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wait

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