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Definitions

waiting

[wey-ting] / ˈweɪ tɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
expectant
Synonyms
WEAK
alert anticipative anxious apprehensive awaiting breathless eager expecting hopeful hoping in suspense looking for on edge on tenterhooks prepared raring ready vigilant waiting on watchful with bated breath
ADJECTIVE
ready
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accessible apt handy qualified ripe
STRONG
adjusted anticipating arranged completed covered equipped fit near organized primed set wired
WEAK
all set all systems go at beck and call at fingertips at hand at the ready champing at bit close to hand convenient equal to expectant fixed for in line in order in place in position in readiness in the saddle on call on hand on tap on the brink open to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
incapable unskilled
WEAK
unavailable uneducated unprepared unready untrained
ADJECTIVE
remaining
Synonyms
STRONG
halting pausing resting stopping tarrying
NOUN
abeyance
Synonyms
STRONG
discontinuation dormancy inactivity intermission latency postponement quiescence recess remission suspension
WEAK
temporarily deferred
Antonyms
STRONG
continuation
WEAK
action activity continuance operation renewal revival
NOUN
ambush
Synonyms
STRONG
ambuscade trap trick
WEAK
ambushment
NOUN
expectancy
Synonyms
STRONG
assumption assurance belief calculation confidence conjecture expectation hope likelihood outlook prediction presentation presentiment presumption probability prospect reliance supposition surmise suspense trust view
WEAK
looking forward
Antonyms
STRONG
disbelief distrust doubt fact fear knowledge proof reality truth uncertainty unlikelihood
NOUN
latency
Synonyms
STRONG
discontinuation dormancy inactivity intermission postponement quiescence recess remission suspension
WEAK
abeyancy temporarily deferred
Antonyms
STRONG
continuation

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.

For anyone facing potentially dire medical results or other nerve-racking ambiguities, the waiting is the hardest part.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

This is a great fan base, to me much more frustrated than angry, waiting to erupt in joy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

After Birotte dismissed the jurors, several of them spoke with waiting defense attorneys.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Investors appear to be waiting for sales to pick up.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

We entered a waiting room jammed with people and sat down under the watchful eyes of the soldier.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.