Definitions

delay

[dih-ley] / dɪˈleɪ /

NOUN

deferment, interruption

Synonyms

STRONGEST

lag moratorium postponement problem setback stoppage suspension wait

STRONG

adjournment bind check cunctation dawdling demurral detention discontinuation downtime filibuster hindrance holding impediment interval jam lingering logjam loitering obstruction procrastination prorogation remission reprieve retardation showstopper stall stay stop surcease tarrying tie up

WEAK

cooling-off period hangup holding pattern holdup putting off retardment

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continuation

STRONG

advance aid assistance beginning go help liberation promotion support

WEAK

dispatch expedition furtherance hastening hurry rush speed

VERB

cause stop in action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adjourn bar block defer detain hamper hold impede keep obstruct postpone prevent prolong put off restrict shelve stall stay suspend withhold

STRONG

arrest check choke clog confine curb dawdle deter dilly-dally discourage drag encumber filibuster inhibit interfere intermit lag linger loiter procrastinate prorogue protract remand repress retard slacken table tarry temporize

WEAK

bide time gain time hold over keep back lay over stave off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon advance aid allow assist carry out continue do encourage expedite forward free further go help let go open permit promote release support

STRONG

complete finish hurry leave liberate push rush unblock

WEAK

dispatch hasten speed

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.

Swampy groundwater, asbestos and soil contamination at the site have caused delays and overruns, according to the Fed.

From The Wall Street Journal

The launch of the new Siri has been delayed until later this year.

From Barron's

The government has said a decision will be made by 20 January and local residents have been told there will be no further delay.

From BBC

The plan was due in the autumn of last year but has been delayed.

From BBC

Cypriot authorities "appear to have been informed of the incident with a delay of several hours", Phileleftheros added.

From Barron's