STAY Synonyms: 233 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'stay' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of stay are defer , postpone , and suspend . While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority. // the governor stayed the execution

Q: When might 'defer' be a better fit than 'stay'?

The words defer and stay are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time. // deferred buying a car until spring

Q: When would 'postpone' be a good substitute for 'stay'?

The meanings of postpone and stay largely overlap; however, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time. // the game is postponed until Saturday

Q: Where would 'suspend' be a reasonable alternative to 'stay'?

The words suspend and stay can be used in similar contexts, but suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied. // business will be suspended while repairs are underway

stay 1 of 4

verb (1)

Definition of stay next

as in to remain

to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time let's stay inside this pavilion until it stops raining

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stop

to bring (something) to a standstill stay the trial until this new evidence has been processed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to wait

to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something we'll stay for a while longer and see if anyone shows up

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to visit

to reside as a temporary guest let's stay at a quaint inn rather than at some generic motel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stay

2 of 4

verb (2)

as in to sustain

to hold up or serve as a foundation for beams being used to stay the bridge while it is undergoing repairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

stay

3 of 4

noun (1)

as in visit

a temporary residing as another's guest my mother-in-law is coming for a brief stay next week

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in cessation

the stopping of a process or activity we must work without stay if we are ever to reach our goal of equal rights for everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stay

4 of 4

noun (2)

as in support

a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else a free press is one of the principal stays of a democratic society

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stay distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of stay are defer, postpone, and suspend. While all these words mean "to delay an action or proceeding," stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.

the governor stayed the execution

When might defer be a better fit than stay?

The words defer and stay are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.

deferred buying a car until spring

When would postpone be a good substitute for stay?

The meanings of postpone and stay largely overlap; however, postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.

the game is postponed until Saturday

Where would suspend be a reasonable alternative to stay?

The words suspend and stay can be used in similar contexts, but suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.

business will be suspended while repairs are underway

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stay

Verb

The three-layer design offers extra protection against spillage, ensuring that all the contents of your toiletry bag stay dry. —

Catherine Garcia, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024 Here Catherine is again, unable to stay awake and protect her son. —

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Noun

But the most important thing to pack for your stay? —

Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 Our two-night stay at the stunning Stanly Ranch was the perfect finale to our California adventure. —

Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stay