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
Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
In 2005, former Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Charlie Weis turned a 5-2 start in his first season at Notre Dame and rumors of a potential return to the NFL into a 10-year agreement to stay at the school.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Cap your visit with a stay at the streamlined and stylish AutoCamp Yosemite or at a timeless yet modern cabin at Firefall Ranch.
—AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stay
Verb
Extremely sexy soccer star (and recently crowed Sexiest Soccer Club Owner) David Beckham, a winner in 2015, suggested future SMA winners stay grounded.
—Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
In 2005, former Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Charlie Weis turned a 5-2 start in his first season at Notre Dame and rumors of a potential return to the NFL into a 10-year agreement to stay at the school.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
At The Boca Raton Beach Club Plan your stay so that your home base is The Boca Raton Beach Club, which, as the name suggests, offers half a mile of beach and a stunning pool that isn't to be missed!
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Cap your visit with a stay at the streamlined and stylish AutoCamp Yosemite or at a timeless yet modern cabin at Firefall Ranch.
—AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2025.
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