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
In 2022, immigration officials denied Nuñez Gonzalez a green card, seven years after waiting. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 As trade negotiations unfold, many companies are waiting before altering any production plans. Dylan Butts,anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
But answers could come sooner than the customary years-long wait if the justices decide to lift the temporary restraints from lower courts on Trump's policies while the cases are litigated. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, customer calls have surged, prompting long wait times for callers dialing into strained offices. Shawna Chen, Axios, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wait
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wait
Verb
  • Shevchenko stayed at 135 for her next four fights, going 2-2.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This underwear is lightweight and discreet, and stays fresh all day.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Under cost-cutting orders from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, purchasing cards had been frozen, requiring approvals for all but emergency expenses, which sometimes meant lengthy delays.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Anyone who pays close attention to the launch industry knows delays are part of the business.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Still, memories of the show lingered in a few significant minds: both Stephen Sondheim and Fred Ebb felt its influence.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And though a few dozen people left the dinner early to catch the end or start of various performances, which included Charli XCX and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, about half of the long table lingered after dessert to continue chatting with their tablemates.
    Ye Fan, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Panicked friends and family members gathered at Jet Set in the hours after the collapse while awaiting additional news.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • While the Heat contingent was in its hotel in Chicago, awaiting Wednesday night’s critical game against the Bulls at the United Center, Chicago was resting several key players and losing big in Cleveland.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gradually whisk in half-and-half, eggs, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and vanilla extract until well combined.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
  • A lot of the clubs from that time were gone—Finbar’s, Hunt’s, Memorial Auditorium, where the band once opened for Allen Ginsberg—but the scrappy apartments mostly remained.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wait. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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