Thesaurus results for WAYLAY

waylay

verb

ˈwā-ˌlā

Definition of waylay

as in to ambush

to lie in wait for and attack by surprise a lonely stretch of highway along which unsuspecting tourists are often waylaid by gangs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of waylay But unlike Odysseus, who survives being waylaid by giants, sorceresses, nymphs, and numerous other distractions, Nolan himself becomes dragged down by the details of his Odyssey. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 July 2026 After making off with a substantial stack of cash from her job to fund a new life with boyfriend Sam Loomis (John Gavin), she gets waylaid by a rainstorm and stops to spend the night at the Bates Motel, run by awkward mama’s boy Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Then, minutes into the speech, Santos posted on X that he had been waylaid at the airport. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 2 June 2026 Barbra Streisand was meant to show up to receive a honorary Palme d’Or, but was waylaid by a knee injury. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for waylay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for waylay

Verb

Tete was arriving at his residence and waiting for the gate to open when he was ambushed by two armed suspects.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
As Cole is driving Tibu back from a passing-of-the-torch party, the two are ambushed, and Tibu is killed.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of ambush

Verb

In Iran, Afghans have been attacked by mobs and baselessly accused of collaborating with Israel; some legal residents have had police tear up their documents in front of them.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
On Saturday, an Ebola response team was attacked on the outskirts of the town of Mambasa in Ituri province while responding to a call to secure a body.

— Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of attack

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waylaid

waylay

waylaying

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“Waylay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waylay. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of waylay

verb

Example Sentences

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