delays

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 hold-up holding pattern 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.

Firstly, there were alleged delays in vaccine orders.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

Two brand new Boeing Air Force Ones are due to be delivered later this decade after a series of delays.

From Barron's • Jul. 8, 2026

The proposal would designate the Buildings Department as the single authority overseeing requirements from all other involved agencies so developers aren’t subject to repetitive paperwork and delays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert, warning drivers to expect delays of more than two hours as the two to four northbound lanes will be blocked until further notice.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026

We met other girls on Io, but I was chatting back to Quendy the whole time, even though there were some meg delays in feed service between the planets.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson