waiting game

NOUN

watchful waiting

Synonyms

WEAK

cat-and-mouse lying low wait-and-see attitude wait-and-see policy waiting it out watching and waiting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For John Winston Isidro, life aboard his VLCC, or Very Large Crude Carrier, has been marked by equal parts monotony and precaution since his ship began playing the waiting game.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

“There is more of a waiting game that occurs for the best value and best promotion.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Momentum has slowed as residents sink into a waiting game while they vie for permit approval, decide whether to return or grapple with new and ongoing unknowns.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

He said he mostly speaks to his relatives over WhatsApp, but hearing from them was a "waiting game" because of unreliable connections.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

Then I relaxed a bit; work had to be done and I would play the waiting game.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison