30 ways to say “Wait” in English
Alternative ways to say “Wait” in English
One of the most common words we hear in English is “wait” [weɪt]. In English, this word can function as either a verb or a noun. As a verb, it refers to the process of waiting, for example, “We’re waiting for the bus.” As a noun, it signifies a period of time when you’re unable to do what you want to be doing, for instance, “This wait seemed eternal.” There are many alternative phrases and synonyms for “wait” in English. Some popular synonyms include: stay, linger, await, remain, bide, hold on, sit tight, expect, delay, pause, halt, stop, postponement, deferment, etc. In this article, we’ll explore different alternatives to substitute “wait,” as well as investigate its synonyms in more detail. Additionally, we’ll examine explanations and examples of use.
30 Ways to say “Wait”
- Pause for a moment.
- Explanation: A polite and formal way to request a short break or moment of stillness.
- Example: “Could you please pause for a moment while I gather the necessary information?”
- Kindly wait a while.
- Explanation: A gentle and courteous expression to ask for patience.
- Example: “Kindly wait a while; I’ll be with you shortly.”
- Please remain on hold.
- Explanation: Often used in phone conversations, indicating that the person should wait for further assistance.
- Example: “Thank you for calling. Please remain on hold, and we will connect you shortly.”
- I need a brief moment.
- Explanation: A direct and concise way to communicate the need for a short pause.
- Example: “I need a brief moment to review the document before we proceed.”
- Could you give me a second?
- Explanation: A casual yet polite request for a moment of the person’s time.
- Example: “Could you give me a second to double-check the details?”
- Allow me a short pause.
- Explanation: A more formal way of asking for a moment of interruption.
- Example: “Please allow me a short pause to address this issue.”
- Hang tight for a minute.
- Explanation: An informal and friendly expression, often used in casual settings.
- Example: “Hang tight for a minute; I’ll grab the necessary documents.”
- I’m just taking a quick break.
- Explanation: Indicates a short break or pause in activity.
- Example: “I’m just taking a quick break; I’ll be back in a moment.”
- Hold your position briefly.
- Explanation: A more formal way of asking someone to wait for a short period.
- Example: “Hold your position briefly while I address this issue.”
- Please, a moment of your time.
- Explanation: A polite request for a brief period of attention.
- Example: “Could I have a moment of your time to discuss the upcoming project?”
- A momentary pause, if you will.
- Explanation: A sophisticated way to request a short interruption, often used in formal or professional settings.
- Example: “Allow for a momentary pause, if you will, while I address this matter.”
- Let me catch my breath.
- Explanation: Suggests a need for a moment to rest or gather composure before continuing.
- Example: “That was quite a discussion. Let me catch my breath before we move on.”
- I’ll be right back with you.
- Explanation: Promises a quick return or interruption before continuing the conversation or task.
- Example: “I’ll be right back with you after I check on the status of your request.”
- Just a short delay, please.
- Explanation: Clearly communicates a brief interruption or pause is needed.
- Example: “Just a short delay, please. I need to confirm a few details before we proceed.”
- One moment, I’ll be swift.
- Explanation: Conveys the intention to act quickly after a brief pause.
- Example: “One moment, I’ll be swift in resolving this issue for you.”
- Stay tuned for a while.
- Explanation: A playful way of asking someone to wait patiently.
- Example: “Stay tuned for a while; I’m almost done with this task.”
- In a short while, I’ll return.
- Explanation: Assures the person that the speaker will be back shortly.
- Example: “In a short while, I’ll return to assist you with your inquiry.”
- I’m attending to something; be patient.
- Explanation: Explains that the speaker is currently occupied but will return shortly.
- Example: “I’m attending to something; please be patient, and I’ll address your concerns soon.”
- Hold on tight; I’ll be prompt.
- Explanation: Encourages the person to wait patiently with the assurance of a quick return.
- Example: “Hold on tight; I’ll be prompt in providing the necessary information.”
- I’m momentarily occupied; bear with me.
- Explanation: Conveys that the speaker is currently busy but asks for patience.
- Example: “I’m momentarily occupied; please bear with me while I finish this task.”
- Please, a moment’s patience.
- Explanation: A polite request for a short period of waiting.
- Example: “Please, a moment’s patience; I’m resolving the issue as quickly as possible.”
- I’ll be at your service in a minute.
- Explanation: Promises quick assistance or attention within a short timeframe.
- Example: “I’ll be at your service in a minute; just need to finalize a few things.”
- I’m in the midst of something; please wait.
- Explanation: Informs that the speaker is currently engaged but will address the person shortly.
- Example: “I’m in the midst of something; please wait for a moment, and I’ll be right with you.”
- Hold steady for a brief moment.
- Explanation: Encourages the person to maintain their position for a short duration.
- Example: “Hold steady for a brief moment; I need to check the accuracy of this information.”
- Just a fleeting moment, please.
- Explanation: Requests a very brief period of waiting.
- Example: “Just a fleeting moment, please, as I finalize the last details.”
- I’ll get back to you shortly.
- Explanation: Assures the person that the speaker will respond or provide information in a short timeframe.
- Example: “I’ll get back to you shortly with the requested information.”
- Give me a second to collect my thoughts.
- Explanation: Expresses the need for a moment to think or gather one’s ideas before continuing.
- Example: “Give me a second to collect my thoughts on this matter.”
- I’ll be with you in a jiffy.
- Explanation: A light-hearted and informal way to promise quick assistance.
- Example: “Just hold on; I’ll be with you in a jiffy.”
- Hold the fort; I won’t be long.
- Explanation: Encourages the person to wait and maintain their position with the assurance of a quick return.
- Example: “Hold the fort; I won’t be long, just finishing up a task.”
- I’ll be quick, just a moment.
- Explanation: Assures the person of a swift resolution or return.
- Example: “I’ll be quick; just give me a moment to finalize this.”
Synonyms for “Wait” in English
- Await:
- Explanation: To wait for an event or expect something.
- Example: “I eagerly await your response to the proposal.”
- Hang on:
- Explanation: To wait for a short period.
- Example: “Hang on for a moment; I’ll be right back with the documents.”
- Stay:
- Explanation: To remain in a particular state or place.
- Example: “Stay here while I go grab the necessary items.”
- Remain:
- Explanation: To continue to stay in a particular state or condition.
- Example: “Please remain on the line; your call is important to us.”
- Loiter:
- Explanation: To linger or spend time aimlessly, often implying a lack of purpose.
- Example: “The students tend to loiter in the hallway between classes.”
- Line up:
- Explanation: To wait in a queue or stand in line.
- Example: “Let’s line up and wait for our turn to enter the venue.”
- Hold:
- Explanation: To keep in a specific state, often temporarily.
- Example: “Hold the line while I check the availability.”
- Pause:
- Explanation: To temporarily cease or interrupt an action.
- Example: “Let’s pause for a moment and reconsider our approach.”
- Abide:
- Explanation: To accept or tolerate while waiting for a particular outcome.
- Example: “We must abide by the decision and wait for further instructions.”
- Endure:
- Explanation: To withstand or bear a period of waiting.
- Example: “We’ll have to endure the delay; there’s no other option.”
- Hold off:
- Explanation: To delay or postpone an action.
- Example: “Let’s hold off on making a decision until we have more information.”
- Linger:
- Explanation: To stay in a place longer than necessary, often for enjoyment.
- Example: “We decided to linger in the park and enjoy the beautiful weather.”
- Sit tight:
- Explanation: To stay in one place and wait patiently.
- Example: “Sit tight; I’ll be back with your order shortly.”
- Suspend:
- Explanation: To temporarily stop or interrupt.
- Example: “We may need to suspend the project temporarily due to unforeseen circumstances.”
- Hold out:
- Explanation: To endure or wait patiently for a particular outcome.
- Example: “Hold out a bit longer; the results will be worth the wait.”
- Delay:
- Explanation: To intentionally postpone or put off an action.
- Example: “The flight was delayed, so we had to wait at the airport.”
- Reserve:
- Explanation: To keep or set aside for a particular purpose.
- Example: “I’ve reserved a table for us, so we don’t have to wait for seating.”
- Postpone:
- Explanation: To defer or delay an event or action to a later time.
- Example: “We decided to postpone the meeting until everyone could attend.”
- Hold back:
- Explanation: To refrain from proceeding or acting.
- Example: “Hold back for a moment and let others have a chance to speak.”
- Stay put:
- Explanation: To remain in one place without moving.
- Example: “Stay put while I go grab the keys; we’ll leave shortly.”
- Expect:
- Explanation: To have hope or to be sure that something will happen.
- Example: “We expect the meeting to start on time.”
- Wait for:
- Explanation: Wait for the arrival or arrival of someone or something.
- Example: “We are waiting for the delivery of the package.”
- Anticipate:
- Explanation: Foresee or Expect Events with Keen Insight.
- Example: “We anticipate that the storm will pass by tomorrow morning.”