delays

NOUN

deferment, interruption

Synonyms

STRONGEST

lag moratorium postponement problem setback stoppage suspension wait

STRONG

adjournment bind check cunctation dawdling demurral detention discontinuation downtime filibuster hindrance holding impediment interval jam lingering logjam loitering obstruction procrastination prorogation remission reprieve retardation showstopper stall stay stop surcease tarrying tie-up

WEAK

cooling-off period hangup hold-up holding pattern putting off retardment

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continuation

STRONG

advance aid assistance beginning go help liberation promotion support

WEAK

dispatch expedition furtherance hastening hurry rush speed

VERB

cause stop in action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adjourn bar block defer detain hamper hold impede keep obstruct postpone prevent prolong put off restrict shelve stall stay suspend withhold

STRONG

arrest check choke clog confine curb dawdle deter dilly-dally discourage drag encumber filibuster inhibit interfere intermit lag linger loiter procrastinate prorogue protract remand repress retard slacken table tarry temporize

WEAK

bide time gain time hold over keep back lay over stave off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon advance aid allow assist carry out continue do encourage expedite forward free further go help let go open permit promote release support

STRONG

complete finish hurry leave liberate push rush unblock

WEAK

dispatch hasten speed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

delays

There is some frustration from devolved administrations around the UK about the delays in Whitehall.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

These coins were supposed to be ready for July 4, but production delays at the U.S.

From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026

Ortberg last year unveiled a nearly $5 billion charge to cover delays and other setbacks in the 777X program.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

“Any push-out or delay really delays the growth story.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

When he looked past the immediate delays and Ulrich’s duplicity, he saw progress.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson