delays

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 hold-up holding pattern 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.

The first round was marked by delays in the delivery of electoral materials in the capital Lima, with authorities having to reopen some polling stations for a second day.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

The country’s transportation ministry reported delays to over 32 flights after temporary restrictions were placed overnight and in the early morning hours for safety reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

The university initially offered Jordan £150 for delays in its investigation, later increasing this to £500 after a review.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Detainees at all facilities reported delays in medical treatment, including emergency care, which led to preventable crises.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

“Keep on like this,” he cried, “and you’ll have no chance at all. First a gwythaint delays us, now a pig!”

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander