: a strategy in which one or more participants withhold action temporarily in the hope of having a favorable opportunity for more effective action later
Examples of waiting game in a Sentence
Until they make their decision, we're just playing a waiting game.
Recent Examples on the Web
The big picture: Gig workers aren't the only people in the waiting game, much to the frustration of some customers.
—
Sami Sparber, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025
Beyond that, commuters had to play the waiting game.
—New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2025
The waiting game will last a little longer — this year’s trade deadline is expected to come down to the wire per a source, with a majority of moves occurring in the final 72 hours before 2 p.m. on Feb. 6.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
Jimmy Butler trade rumors swirl, but Heat history with star exits signals waiting game
Whatever the case, the bigger picture is still unfolding for Miami and Butler, even as the team takes a day-by-day approach to its star’s future and simply winning games.
—James Jackson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for waiting game 
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Sami Sparber, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025
Beyond that, commuters had to play the waiting game.
—New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2025
The waiting game will last a little longer — this year’s trade deadline is expected to come down to the wire per a source, with a majority of moves occurring in the final 72 hours before 2 p.m. on Feb. 6.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
Jimmy Butler trade rumors swirl, but Heat history with star exits signals waiting game
Whatever the case, the bigger picture is still unfolding for Miami and Butler, even as the team takes a day-by-day approach to its star’s future and simply winning games.
—James Jackson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for waiting game
Dictionary Entries Near waiting game
Cite this Entry
“Waiting game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiting%20game. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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