wait
23 synonyms and 9 antonyms for wait, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A period spent staying where you are, or delaying action, until something happens.
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 wait
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman "waiter" (to watch or guard), from a Frankish word for "watch" — related to the modern word "watch" itself.
Full origin of wait →Frequently asked questions
What does “wait” mean?
The word “wait” means to stay in one place or delay acting until something happens. In plain terms, to stay put until something happens, or (as a phrase) to serve tables.
How do you pronounce “wait”?
“Wait” is pronounced wayt (/weɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “wait” in a sentence?
Here is “wait” used in a sentence: “We waited an hour for the bus to arrive.”
What is another word for “wait”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wait” include await, wait for, serve, tend, postpone and abide.
What is the opposite of “wait”?
The opposite of “wait” — its antonyms — are act, grasp, grasp the nettle, jump at the chance and go it blind.
What part of speech is “wait”?
Depending on how it is used, “wait” can be a verb and an interjection.
Where does the word “wait” come from?
The word “wait” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman "waiter" (to watch or guard), from a Frankish word for "watch" — related to the modern word "watch" itself.
Is “wait” a common word?
“Wait” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'wait' and 'await'?
They mean nearly the same thing, but the grammar differs. 'Wait' needs 'for' before an object - you wait for a bus. 'Await' takes the object directly, with no preposition - you await a reply. 'Await' is also more formal and usually written. In casual speech, 'wait for' is far more common.
What is the difference between 'wait for' and 'wait on'?
'Wait for' means to stay until someone or something arrives or happens. 'Wait on' traditionally means to serve, as a waiter waits on diners. In informal American English, 'wait on' is increasingly used to mean 'wait for,' but careful writing still keeps the two apart.
What is the difference between 'wait' and 'stay'?
To stay is simply to remain in a place. To wait is to remain until something specific happens, with that expectation built in. You might stay home all day, but you wait for a phone call. Waiting always points toward an event, whereas staying carries no such expectation.
What is an example of 'wait' in a sentence?
'Please wait here until I return,' 'we waited an hour for the train,' and 'I can't wait to see you' all use the verb. The first two involve delaying and staying put, while 'can't wait' expresses eager anticipation rather than literal waiting.