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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.

As Levinson continued to write with the characters’ journeys into adulthood in mind, fans speculated about the reasons for the delay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Damaged Middle Eastern refineries and a potentially controlled Strait of Hormuz opening could delay full oil flow restoration for months.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Walker suggested the government "might be able to find some money from somewhere and delay a project in order to issue people that need it some sort of vouchers to help with energy bills".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Any delay in the raises saves money for L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The Civil War, for example, was a direct consequence of the decision to evade and delay the slavery question during the most vulnerable early years of the republic.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis