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Definitions

standby

[stand-bahy] / ˈstændˌbaɪ /
NOUN
substitute
Synonyms
STRONG
assistant backup deputy double fill in relief replacement reserve stalwart stand-by stand-in sub successor temp temporary understudy
WEAK
pinch-hitter recourse

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.

While previous methods depended on high-powered lasers, this effect can be triggered with microwatts of power, far less than what a smartphone uses in standby mode.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

President Lai Ching-te was on standby in Taipei, taking calls at extreme hours due to the different time zones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Wiltshire Council officials are now on standby to help social tenants struggling with heating costs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

A team in Gibraltar remained on standby in case the connection failed, but it held throughout the procedure.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Resist the urge to write contractions with how, when, where, or why, except that old standby where’s.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.