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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.

The decade-long trial was beset by delays due to coronavirus disruptions and problems securing translators.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Following delays in the late summer of 2025, the case was rescheduled for 2026.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

Outside of a few scattered delays, all 1,248 players have received visas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Riley said delays caused by the city and neighbor lawsuits have helped spiral costs upwards, because construction costs have climbed in recent years and interest on a pre-development loan has piled up.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

American government officials, the press, and the public expressed their disappointment with the delays, many impugning the agency’s judgment and competence.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly