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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.

“You can decide to wait until 63 and you can do Cobra until you can get Medicare,” suggested Thompson.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

The Neo is so popular you currently have to wait a couple of weeks to get one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Before her resignation, House Democratic leaders had refrained from publicly criticising Cherfilus-McCormick, saying they would wait to see the ethics committee's recommendation.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Ships transiting the canal book their passage well in advance, and ships without bookings wait an average of five days to get through, but there is an auction where last-minute transits can be purchased.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

“They’re all packed by the door. Oh I wish I could go back with you—but I’ve got batches of cookies still to bake and I promised Flip and the children I’d wait for them.”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing wait

Spelling Practice 1, Unit 3

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