as in wait
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
there was a delay for our boarding while the airplane unloaded incoming passengers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to linger
to move or act slowly
she ordered the kids to stop delaying and to get to bed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to postpone
to assign to a later time
our guests delayed their departure until after dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of delay
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2026
The delay in production will also affect the premiere on Peacock in the US, which was set for Wednesday, January 14.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2026
Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
However, if the PER is too high, the cost-sharing mechanism can be delayed to 2029 or 2030.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for delay
Noun
Still, there is a record of medical concerns on the ISS, including ones that led to delays for spacewalks or other tasks.
—Verb
The Transit Center’s redevelopment had been planned for years, but the City Council also delayed its approval last year.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for delay
Noun
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Prosecutors have also filed two sentencing enhancements against Buzzard, alleging use of a gun during a felony and murder while lying in wait, the Independent reported.—
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Despite a tricky entrance and a long wait on one of the busiest days of the year, the meal was worth it.—
Verb
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Ultimately, however, the lingering impact of being dragged last summer is known only to the officer – who is said to be experienced, with more than 10 years of service as an ICE deportation officer, according to DHS.—
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Early next week, a brief warmup returns highs to the 30s before cooler air likely lingers deeper into mid-January.—
Verb
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Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.—
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Some of his concerts were canceled or postponed due to health reasons, and some fans criticized the singer for putting on lackluster performances.—
Verb
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His arm was pinned into the back window of a car as a suspect sped away, dragging him across the pavement for about 100 yards, according to court documents.—
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At least one woman was dragged along the pavement as officers appeared to prepare additional crowd-control devices.—
Verb
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However, a ruling could still be deferred until later in 2026, which many Beltway insiders believe could be more realistic.—
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Eighty years later, the country learned what happens when maintenance is deferred.—
Verb
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Now, Letts has brought Coon back to Broadway with the Main Stem debut of his 1996 play Bug, a skin-crawling portrayal of people on the fringes.—
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One team member crawled inside and fired paintballs filled with vegetable oil, wildlife organization BEAR League told Fox News Digital on Thursday.—
Verb
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The actress hasn't spoken publicly about her dating life, aside from a few TikTok videos poking fun at her singleness.—
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Continue reading … POLITICS POLITICAL THEATER – Vance reposts meme poking fun at Democrats' Jan 6 candlelight vigil.—
Verb
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Recent data showed that police response is becoming faster, but still lags behind California standards.—
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Barnes noted the need to do this because these students consistently lag behind their peers academically.—
Cite this Entry
“Delay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delay. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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