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delay Synonyms

Another word for delay

Choosing another word for delay depends on context, so the 42 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A period of time by which something is late, postponed, or held back.

Usage Example

"Heavy snowfall caused a two-hour hold-up for commuters on the morning train."

Strongest
hold-up
postponement
Strong
deferral
deferment
wait
setback
slowdown
time lag
suspension
Weak
interruption

• 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
hold up
detain
slow down
Strong
hinder
impede
set back
retard
hamper
obstruct
hold back

• verb (Context 3)

To postpone or defer an action, decision, or event until a later time.

Usage Example

"The committee decided to postpone the vote until all members had reviewed the updated financial report."

Strongest
postpone
put off
defer
Strong
reschedule
adjourn
push back
suspend
shelve
table
hold off

• 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 hesitate in making your reservation."

Strongest
hesitate
linger
procrastinate
Strong
dawdle
stall
dally
tarry
vacillate
temporize
loiter

• noun (Context 5)

An audio effect or electronic device that records an input signal and plays it back after a brief interval to create an echo or reverberation.

Usage Example

"The guitarist adjusted the digital echo on his pedalboard to give the solo a spacious, atmospheric echo."

Strong
echo
reverb

Opposites of delay

The opposite of delay shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

expedite
bring forward
hasten
hurry
advance
accelerate
speed up
rush
See all opposites of delay

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Delay. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/delay
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