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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.

Analysts anticipate tariff refunds will take 45 days or more, leading some businesses to delay filing to avoid potential errors.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

But the not-working group had been functioning quite well, at least as a charade for delay and obfuscation.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

After a long delay, a $22-million incentive program launched on April 6 to support residents rebuilding all-electric in California disaster areas served by investor-owned utilities like Southern California Edison.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Development has not been smooth sailing though, with makers IO Interactive announcing a two-month delay to the release in December to "further polish" it.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

I was holding up a pillow for both of us to admire, trying to find anything that would cause a few moments’ delay.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing delay

Common Five-letter Words for Wordle, List 3

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Greetings, World Traveler! — List 2

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"Building Design and Construction Handbook," Vocabulary from Section 1

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