1
as in to wait
to continue to be in a place for a significant amount of time
upon seeing the sun beginning to sink in the sky, we realized we had tarried too long on the summit of the mountain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to linger
to move or act slowly
the dean tarried in making his decision, still not sure if he should suspend the student or not
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stay
to reside as a temporary guest
he tarried with us all summer, sleeping on the screened-in porch most nights
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tarry
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Read More: 10 New Year's Traditions From Across the Globe
There was still much reason to pray after Jan. 1, 1863, and so tarrying in prayer on New Year’s Eve became an annual tradition.
—Nyya Toussaint / Made By History, TIME, 31 Dec. 2024
Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, 1 Sep. 2020
Ingestion of sago palm leaves, seeds or other plant parts causes liver failure, usually signaled by drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or a tarry black stool, depression, appetite loss, abdominal pain, lethargy and jaundice.
—Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, 14 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for tarry
Verb
America grew up with these boys and tarried with them through light and dark times.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Read More: 10 New Year's Traditions From Across the Globe
There was still much reason to pray after Jan. 1, 1863, and so tarrying in prayer on New Year’s Eve became an annual tradition.
—Nyya Toussaint / Made By History, TIME, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Often, Petite Sirah produces a wine that is too tarry, too dense, too chewy.
—Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, 1 Sep. 2020
Ingestion of sago palm leaves, seeds or other plant parts causes liver failure, usually signaled by drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or a tarry black stool, depression, appetite loss, abdominal pain, lethargy and jaundice.
—Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, 14 Mar. 2018
See All Example Sentences for tarry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarry
Noun
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Trump has undergone four medical checkups in 13 months, prompting questions about the frequency of his visits, the types of tests being performed and what doctors are looking for.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
-
Naqvi was set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the visit, semi-official Tasnim News agency reported.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Verb
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At the end of one of the castle’s walkways, after a turn or two—by electric cart, bicycle, or on foot—and with the air filled with the scent of pine, rosemary, and jasmine, the sentinels are waiting, carved into the rock where the fort’s cannons were once located.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Iyo Sky, Roxanne Perez, Giulia and Lash Legend squared off in a fatal four-way match with a spot in the semifinals waiting for the winner.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
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But behind the courteous gesture, there are lingering concerns of how overtourism might impact Ishigaki’s rich natural environment and potentially overwhelm its infrastructure, concerns that extend to other neighboring remote islands.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
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Many guests and patrons are regulars, lingering over martinis as a fireplace crackles in the background.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The trio, and to some degree Warner Bros Discovery acquiring Ellison, were given some high altitude breathing room when remaining correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim decided on June 5 to stay – – at least for now.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
6 June 2026
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Mountbatten-Windsor and a bodyguard safely stayed clear of the interloper.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
The texture is robust and viscous.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
The soluble fiber in oats, particularly the polysaccharide beta-glucan, forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract.—
Lauren Manaker MS,
Health,
22 May 2026
Verb
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With approximately 56% of votes counted, analysts say Steyer would need to outperform Becerra by roughly 12 points in remaining ballots to advance to November.—
Ruyuan Li. Story produced with AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
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If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2026
Verb
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Wembanyama has allowed Robinson to delay his decision-making.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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The game was delayed 1 hour, 7 minutes due to rain and lightning.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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Within moments, the toy’s gelatinous interior exploded, dousing scalding material across his face and hands.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
23 Feb. 2026
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The new Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is less gelatinous than its predecessor.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tarry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarry. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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