wait 1 of 2

as in to stay
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something please wait here, and we'll seat you shortly

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wait

2 of 2

noun

as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business there was a long wait for the manager to come and help us

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wait
Verb
Many big Silicon Valley companies weren’t willing to wait, and smaller ones couldn’t afford to. Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 Tijuana has always been a place of waiting for migrants. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Noun
Now that passengers can keep their shoes on, the screening process should flow more smoothly, with shorter wait times expected, the news release said. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025 The Netflix series Wednesday, created by Tim Burton, was one of our favorites in 2022, and while it was quickly renewed, it's been a long wait for that second season. ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • Here's a look at what Tennesseans can expect weather-wise, who is expected to see the highest temperatures and just how to stay safe as temperatures soar.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • How to stay cool during a heat wave When the temperatures climb, the Ohio Department of Health has some advice on how to stay safe and cool.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Cannabis Advocates Call For Rescheduling Marijuana Following Cole’s confirmation, cannabis industry organizations and executives were quick to call on the new DEA head to approve the proposal to reschedule cannabis, which has been put on hold since January because of procedural delays.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • How tariff news fuels some scams The Better Business Bureau warned earlier this summer that some scammers are using fake excuses involving delays caused by tariffs to cover up fraudulent online orders.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The kidnapping of a teen girl months earlier lingers in the background.
    Judy Berman, Time, 21 July 2025
  • Do lingering questions about this biotechnology disqualify it?
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Since the mistrial, Melly’s legal team filed a motion requesting bond for the rapper’s release while awaiting retrial.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 July 2025
  • As school districts brace for budget shortfalls, communities await a decision that could reshape access to education and enrichment nationwide.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • As Inter Miami looks to turn the page Saturday night on one of its ugliest losses of the season, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez remained in their starting lineup against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 20 July 2025
  • This offseason, Diggs remains in recovery after dealing with knee concerns last season.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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