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

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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

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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
The family was waiting for a tenant who wouldn’t party or disturb their peace. Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2025 Penelope was photographed waiting patiently in an elevator while wearing a white blouse and black and white polka dot shorts. Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
The argument was that Uber did not adjust the wait time for these riders, in violation of the ADA. Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 It’s been a long wait Nintendo says 14 Virtual Boy titles will be made available to Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers over time. ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • He was not bound by law to stay.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • LeBron James stayed silent this week as controversy swirled around him over a piece in a Chinese state-run newspaper with his byline that appeared on Monday.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even in areas accustomed to heavier snowfalls, accumulations in this range can result in delays, collisions and road closures if not treated promptly.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Therefore, the resulting stock drops can be viewed as buying opportunities — so long as the delays don't turn into order cancellations.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yet Harris lingers near the top of the 2028 Democratic presidential contenders in most polling because the party lacks viable alternatives with comparable name identification.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This effortless touchpoint builds trust, catches lingering issues and creates loyal advocates who feel truly valued.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Typically, youth held there are awaiting court hearings, being held on dispositional or correctional orders, or participating in the county's Accountability Program.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings descend down to the shores of Lake Michigan, where Caleb Williams’ Chicago Bears await.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Spoon batter into pan, smooth top, and sprinkle streusel and remaining pecans.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • After defeating the Twins, the Royals remained just a game behind the Seattle Mariners (74-68) for the third and final wild-card spot.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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