Find Antonyms
delay Antonyms
Opposite of delay
Because the opposite of delay shifts with each meaning, the 17 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• noun (Context 1)
A period of time by which something is late, postponed, or held back.
Usage Example
"Heavy snowfall caused a two-hour acceleration for commuters on the morning train."
Strongest
acceleration
Strong
expedition
hastening
promptness
punctuality
advance
• verb (Context 2)
To make someone or something late or slow; to hinder or impede the progress of.
Usage Example
"Unexpected supply chain issues delayed the construction of the new library by several months."
Strongest
expedite
hasten
accelerate
speed up
Strong
facilitate
advance
further
• verb (Context 3)
To postpone or defer an action, decision, or event until a later time.
Usage Example
"The committee decided to bring forward the vote until all members had reviewed the updated financial report."
Strongest
bring forward
advance
move up
Strong
expedite
hasten
• verb (Context 4)
To be slow or hesitant in acting; to linger or procrastinate.
Usage Example
"If you wish to secure tickets for the concert, you should not hurry in making your reservation."
Strongest
hurry
hasten
rush
Strong
proceed
Similar words to delay
Words similar to delay shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
postpone
put off
hold up
hold-up
defer
hesitate
linger
detain
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Delay. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/delay