stay behind

VERB

remain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

continue endure go on hover last linger live persist prevail stand stop survive wait

STRONG

abide bide bivouac bunk cling delay dwell freeze halt hang inhabit lodge nest outlast outlive pause perch reside rest roost sojourn squat tarry visit

WEAK

be left hang out hold over hold the fort keep on make camp put on hold remain standing sit out sit through sit tight stay in stay over stay put stick around

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease die discontinue go leave lie

STRONG

carry on depart hurry move

WEAK

forge

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.

In the second scenario, her parents, both in their 70s, would have to stay behind.

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

Water and other specialties stay behind in the rump DuPont.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 9, 2025

It is understood Starmer had been planning to go on holiday but will now stay behind.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2024

A skeleton crew of 20-odd would stay behind and guard the three ships in case the Turks noticed them and got hostile.

From Slate • Dec. 15, 2024

I don’t even stay behind to see how they do for their talent.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles