delay

Definition for delay

noun as in deferment, interruption

Strongest matches

lag, moratorium, postponement, problem, setback, stoppage, suspension, wait

Strong matches

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 matches

cooling-off period, hangup, holding pattern, holdup, putting off, retardment

verb as in cause stop in action

Strongest matches

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

Strong matches

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 matches

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

One source told me – in a line worthy of the sitcom Yes Minister – that the trio might “decide to decide, decide to delay deciding, or… decide not to decide”.

From BBC

Friday’s sentencing was scheduled in the morning but was delayed for much of the day by Woodward’s failure to appear, which the judge attributed to him being “ill.”

From Los Angeles Times

Malcolm X's family claims in their lawsuit that this obfuscation is what delayed their filing.

From Salon

But I’m dismayed that it was such a monumental effort and wonder how many other men committing crimes go unpunished because of the inefficiency, the failures and the delays.

From BBC

Both developers have apologised for the delays in completing work on the roads and pavements, but said progress was being made.

From BBC

Browse

delay

Example Sentences

Related Words