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Definitions

wait

[weyt] / weɪt /
NOUN
pause, delay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
interval
STRONG
down downtime halt hold interim rest stay
WEAK
holdup on hold time wasted
Antonyms
STRONG
continuation go
WEAK
act doing
VERB
pause, rest
Synonyms
STRONGEST
await delay expect hang linger remain stand by stay stick around watch
STRONG
abide anticipate bide dally foresee stall tarry
WEAK
bide one's time cool it fill time hang around hang onto your hat hang out hold back hold everything hold on hold the phone hole up keep shirt on lie in wait lie low look for look forward to mark time put on hold save it sit tight sit up for stay up for sweat it
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance go hurry leave rush
STRONG
carry on move
WEAK
carry out do forge forward go ahead

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.

A Greek shipowner with several ships waiting to enter to load oil for Chinese and Singaporean clients said he would wait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

What is an appropriate amount of time to wait to receive a thank-you note for a very generous wedding gift?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Such productivity was at the heart of Newcastle ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the League Cup last season and qualifying for the Champions League in 2025 and 2023.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

As for identifying the dead, that too will have to wait, probably for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

I wait for him to go on, aware that what I’m hearing is some kind of unburdening.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing wait

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 3

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