1
as in remains
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
let's stay inside this pavilion until it stops raining
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stops
to bring (something) to a standstill
stay the trial until this new evidence has been processed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in waits
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
we'll stay for a while longer and see if anyone shows up
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in visits
to reside as a temporary guest
let's stay at a quaint inn rather than at some generic motel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sustains
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
beams being used to stay the bridge while it is undergoing repairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in sojourns
a temporary residing as another's guest
my mother-in-law is coming for a brief stay next week
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in halts
the stopping of a process or activity
we must work without stay if we are ever to reach our goal of equal rights for everyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in supports
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
a free press is one of the principal stays of a democratic society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stays
Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 1 May 2026
What stands out after a few seconds is how steady the robot stays the whole time.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
The layout is straightforward but generous, with three bedrooms (two en suite) branching off a central living area that stays oriented toward the San Jacintos, and a largely white backdrop is warmed up with hints of coral, mustard, and other sunbaked tones.
—Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
Driven by their own ambitions and drawn into each other’s orbit, alliances shift, relationships tangle, and nothing stays private for long.
—Peter White, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
Try Southern Living's Little Lucky series or a trailing lantana that stays compact enough for containers.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
The silky, drapey fabric stays cool in warm weather and is crease-resistant even after hours in your carry-on.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Miami’s hoping Dulcich stays healthy and takes the next step forward.
—Omar Kelly
april 30, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Garmin Smartwatch Deal The Garmin Venu 3S features a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen that stays clear in direct sunlight, tracking everything from sleep scores to your BodyBattery levels.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026
David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
Chic stays, standout experiences, and must-try dining—designer Nicolas Yuthanan Chalmeau shares the spots to know.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
This includes the option of hotel stays, reimbursement for various expenses and access to shower and bathroom facilities.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
Walled garden On the garden level, two ensuite bedrooms open to a walled garden, creating guest spaces that feel sheltered and quiet—ideal for extended stays.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
It’s funded mostly by a 5% tax on hotel stays.
—Mark Dee
april 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026
The skin lesions can be painful and result in serious infection or other health conditions, AHRQ reports, and can often lengthen hospital stays.
—Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 29 Apr. 2026
In addition, some costs, such as bone grafting or extended stays, may not be included in the initial quote.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
The selection of stays is overwhelming, but our editors have curated a selection of our favorite design-friendly hotels in Seattle and just beyond, below.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Southerly flow begins to return, but moisture remains limited, so North Texas stays dry with mostly sunny skies.
—Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 1 May 2026
What stands out after a few seconds is how steady the robot stays the whole time.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
The layout is straightforward but generous, with three bedrooms (two en suite) branching off a central living area that stays oriented toward the San Jacintos, and a largely white backdrop is warmed up with hints of coral, mustard, and other sunbaked tones.
—Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026
Driven by their own ambitions and drawn into each other’s orbit, alliances shift, relationships tangle, and nothing stays private for long.
—Peter White, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
Try Southern Living's Little Lucky series or a trailing lantana that stays compact enough for containers.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
The silky, drapey fabric stays cool in warm weather and is crease-resistant even after hours in your carry-on.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Miami’s hoping Dulcich stays healthy and takes the next step forward.
—Omar Kelly
april 30, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Garmin Smartwatch Deal The Garmin Venu 3S features a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen that stays clear in direct sunlight, tracking everything from sleep scores to your BodyBattery levels.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
These visitors are presumed to have shorter stays centered around match days.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
Chic stays, standout experiences, and must-try dining—designer Nicolas Yuthanan Chalmeau shares the spots to know.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
This includes the option of hotel stays, reimbursement for various expenses and access to shower and bathroom facilities.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
Walled garden On the garden level, two ensuite bedrooms open to a walled garden, creating guest spaces that feel sheltered and quiet—ideal for extended stays.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
It’s funded mostly by a 5% tax on hotel stays.
—Mark Dee
april 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 Apr. 2026
The skin lesions can be painful and result in serious infection or other health conditions, AHRQ reports, and can often lengthen hospital stays.
—Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 29 Apr. 2026
In addition, some costs, such as bone grafting or extended stays, may not be included in the initial quote.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
The selection of stays is overwhelming, but our editors have curated a selection of our favorite design-friendly hotels in Seattle and just beyond, below.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stays. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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