waiting game

noun

wait·​ing game ˈwā-tiŋ- How to pronounce waiting game (audio)
: 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
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.
Rodgers playing the waiting game could turn many more NFL teams off from waiting around. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Play the waiting game and stay alert for synchronicities. USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025 Trade up in second round helps Panthers’ waiting game The Panthers come into the draft owning the Los Angeles Rams’ No. 57 pick in the second round. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025 Courtenay Brown Jan 27, 2025 - Politics & Policy The Fed's big Trump question Expect the Fed to do its best to stay out of the headlines Wednesday, as the central bank is set to pause its interest rate cutting and start a waiting game to see where things go next. Neil Irwin, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waiting game

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waiting game was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Waiting game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiting%20game. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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