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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.

Appeared in the October 8, 2025, print edition as 'Doctors Say Don’t Delay Baby’s Hep-B Vaccine'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

Delay was again the name of the game.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2025

“But one thing I won’t give into is delay. Delay is denial for people: lives, traditions, places torn apart, torn asunder.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2025

Briana Boston, 42, is accused of saying "Delay, deny, depose, you people are next" while speaking on a recorded line with a Blue Cross Blue Shield representative about a denied medical claim.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2024

“No. I expect we’ll go to America on schedule. I just thought I’d warn you. Delay is possible.”

From "Homesick" by Jean Fritz

Vocabulary lists containing delay

Common Five-letter Words for Wordle, List 3

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Greetings, World Traveler! — List 2

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"Building Design and Construction Handbook," Vocabulary from Section 1

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