1
as in to remain
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
let's stay inside this pavilion until it stops raining
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill
stay the trial until this new evidence has been processed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
we'll stay for a while longer and see if anyone shows up
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to visit
to reside as a temporary guest
let's stay at a quaint inn rather than at some generic motel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity
we must work without stay if we are ever to reach our goal of equal rights for everyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
a free press is one of the principal stays of a democratic society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stay
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
The glamping resort launches June 15 and is open for stays through mid-October.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stay
Verb
The move is a recognition by Sony that broadcast TV audiences are aging, and the studio must expand its reach to stay relevant with younger viewers.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
There’s no room service beyond a generously stocked minibar, which is included in your stay.
—Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
The glamping resort launches June 15 and is open for stays through mid-October.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stay
Cite this Entry
“Stay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stay. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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