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Showing results for delay. Search instead for delay/2.
Definitions

delay

[dih-ley] / dɪˈleɪ /
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 holding pattern holdup 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.

Police Scotland said people should delay their journeys if possible.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

"Cancellation is alway an option in the event of a delay," he told the ATS-Keystone news agency.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The forecast shows an 80% chance of favorable weather for launch, with some potential for clouds and high winds at ground level that could delay the mission.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Both will help delay the onset of a shortage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

And I wish they could stay because that would delay the moment my brother finds out that our dad is going to die.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan

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