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.

State officials made repeated efforts to explain the reasons why California elections take time, precisely to undercut claims amid counting that the delays were the result of fraud.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

But Blue Origin just saw its plans go up in flames during a ground test explosion of its flagship New Glenn rocket, which damaged their launch platform and heralded delays.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

It was initially projected to cost around $300 million and took roughly five years longer than originally planned to build, after preservationists slowed construction in court and the pandemic brought delays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

After all the pain, disrespect and delays, justice had been served.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The trial, appeals, and delays would force her to make three open-ended, coast-to-coast trips in under six months.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield