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Showing results for delay. Search instead for delayi.
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.

IRS computers could delay processing the return if the agency has received tax-reporting forms that aren’t reported on the taxpayer’s return.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Memory was measured by testing how well participants could recall information both immediately and after a delay.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

With the deal as yet unratified, no payments have been made or will be made during the period of delay, the minister confirmed to Conservative former minister Dame Harriett Baldwin.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

There’s been a delay on the livestream during previous festivals, so don’t worry if Bieber, The Strokes or another one of your favorite artists starts a little later than their posted time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Emma would be “very happy to wait on Mrs. Bates, &c.,” and they did at last move out of the shop, with no farther delay from Miss Bates than,

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing delay

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