Synonyms for

Delay

Verb / dɪˈleɪ / Another word for delay — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make something happen at a later time than originally planned

Synonyms & similar words

hold timelag stay retard detain wait check rush holdup postponement postpone defer procrastinate dawdle tarry linger loiter wait temporize reschedule adjourn suspend stall halt retard

Synonyms by register

Formal

postpone defer suspend adjourn

Informal

hold up put off drag out stall

Literary

tarry linger prolong

Antonyms

advance expedite hasten hurry rush speed accelerate

Common collocations

  • delay tactics
  • significant delay
  • unnecessary delay
  • delay payment
  • delay departure
  • delay response
  • delay action

Word family

noun delay
verb delay
adjective delayed

Usage note

While 'delay' can be used for both intentional and unintentional postponements, 'postpone' and 'defer' often imply a deliberate decision to reschedule.

Example sentences

  1. I had to delay my trip to the park because it started raining.
  2. The construction workers had to delay building the new bridge because of a storm.
  3. Don't delay finishing your homework until the last minute.
  4. The train was delayed due to a signal problem.
  5. The flight was delayed for two hours due to bad weather.

Quotes

  • Delay is the deadliest form of denial. - C. Northcote Parkinson
  • To be prepared is half the victory. Delay means disappointment. - William Hazlitt
  • The delay of justice is injustice. - Walter Savage Landor

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