standby
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for standby, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state of being ready to act at short notice.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
understudy
at the ready
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A state of being ready to act at short notice.
“The ambulance crew was on standby all night.”
understudy
at the ready
2. noun
A backup person or item kept ready in case of need.
“The understudy was the standby for the lead role.”
Opposites
How to use standby
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on standby
standby ticket
standby generator
Etymology
Formed from the phrasal verb "stand by," turned into a single noun.
Full origin of standby →Frequently asked questions
What does “standby” mean?
The word “standby” means a state of being ready to act at short notice. In plain terms, ready and waiting in reserve, whether it's a person, a seat, or a piece of equipment.
How do you pronounce “standby”?
“Standby” is pronounced STAND-beye (/ˈsteə̯ndˌbaɪ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “standby” in a sentence?
Here is “standby” used in a sentence: “The ambulance crew was on standby all night.”
What is another word for “standby”?
Words with a similar meaning to “standby” include at the ready.
What part of speech is “standby”?
“Standby” is a noun.
Is “standby” a common word?
“Standby” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “standby” have?
“Standby” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of being ready to act at short notice.
