Synonyms for Delay

Definition of delay

noun
  1. time during which some action is awaited; "instant replay caused too long a delay"; "he ordered a hold in the action"
  2. the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
verb
  1. cause to be slowed down or delayed; "Traffic was delayed by the bad weather"; "she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform"

7 synonyms found

Writing tips for "delay"

Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like detain, detention, hold can replace "delay" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.

With 7 alternatives available, "delay" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.

"Delay" in song lyrics

See how delay is used in real songs:

  • "Greg Nice is on the mic with no delay"
    3rd Bass f/ Nice and Smooth — Microphone Techniques
  • "DJ Daryl's with me with no delay"
    415 — 41Fivin
  • "with a 90 percent delay.. delay.."
    Analog Brothers — Analog Technics

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