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.
Darcy Totten, the commission’s executive director, said the ban would help buy time for a young person’s brain to develop and better educate them on how to navigate platforms safely. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Munonyedi Clifford, the attorney in charge of Legal Aid’s citywide housing practice, tells me the suspensions not only give people another beat to pack up before the marshals arrive, but also buy time to resolve their case. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Aug. 2026 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 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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