tarry
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for tarry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — (literary) To stay somewhere longer than planned, or to delay leaving.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tarry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Old-fashioned or literary — you'll see it in older texts and poetic writing more than everyday speech.
Etymology
From Middle English tarien, from an Old English word meaning to vex or provoke; the sense shifted over time to "linger."
Full origin of tarry →Frequently asked questions
What does “tarry” mean?
The word “tarry” means (literary) To stay somewhere longer than planned, or to delay leaving. In plain terms, to linger or delay somewhere, rather than moving on.
How do you pronounce “tarry”?
“Tarry” is pronounced TA-ree (/ˈtæ.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “tarry” in a sentence?
Here is “tarry” used in a sentence: “Don't tarry — we need to leave before the storm arrives.”
What is another word for “tarry”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tarry” include abide, eld, linger, stay and wait.
What is the opposite of “tarry”?
The opposite of “tarry” — its antonyms — are go and leave.
What part of speech is “tarry”?
“Tarry” is a verb.
Where does the word “tarry” come from?
The word “tarry” comes from Old English. From Middle English tarien, from an Old English word meaning to vex or provoke; the sense shifted over time to "linger.".