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
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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
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4
as in to visit
to reside as a temporary guest
let's stay at a quaint inn rather than at some generic motel
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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
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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
Scott McIntosh, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
But the coastal town is stunning year-round and stays warm through the spring and fall, so visitors may want to take advantage of pleasant shoulder-season days on the coast.
—Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Josh Roberts, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
To complete your restorative stay, take advantage of the property’s 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, or the resort-style rooftop pool overlooking downtown.
—Kathryn Streeter, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stay
Verb
But Stambaugh’s salary stayed the same a year later, while Wadams now makes $164,800, according to data the Idaho Statesman obtained via a records request.
—Noun
If la dolce vita is on your family’s must-list for 2026, consider a stay at Rose Garden Palace Roma in Rome (which serves a bountiful breakfast buffet) and Villa Romana in Minori (whose pool is surrounded by pink flowers, lounge chairs, and a cocktail bar).
—Cite this Entry
“Stay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stay. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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