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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.

The ones cautious enough to keep quiet and wait are the people Clark wants.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

“With staff shortages, increased wait times due to more customizable drinks and an extensive menu, it’s almost impossible to meet every goal they want,” they said.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Lily's mother, Sarah Rodgers, 30, said they could now face a wait of several months while they wait for Lily's British passport application to be approved.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The two asset managers and Milken also highlighted how the AI investments would be played out over decades, providing a big payoff for investors willing to wait for compounded returns.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

And still we were not allowed to sit: there was a last wait while the matron with maddening deliberateness checked off our documents against a list.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing wait

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 3

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