buy time

phrase

: to delay an imminent action or decision : stall

Examples of buy time in a Sentence

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.
Disney says that 58 brands across 34 different categories have bought time during the game, with nine brands advertising for the first time. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 Drawn by recent momentum for live sports and the ongoing ratings clout of the NFL, 58 brands in 34 different categories have bought time, with nine first-time advertisers. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 State Street's Loo likewise highlighted that intervention can buy time, but not change the long-term trajectory. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 One source said Netanyahu is highly skeptical that Hamas intends to disarm and believes instead that group is using the framework to buy time and avert another Israeli military campaign. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buy time

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buy time was in 1832

Rhymes for buy time

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Browse Nearby Words

Buys Ballot's law
buy time
buy up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buy time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buy%20time. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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