Synonyms of sitting tight

sitting tight

phrase

present participle of sit tight

1

as in waiting

to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something

Sit tight and I'll be back in a minute.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• waiting
• staying
• holding on
• biding one's time
• holding one's breath
• cooling one's heels
• hanging around
• awaiting
• sticking around
• standing by
• remaining
• lingering
• watching (for)
• biding
• expecting
• anticipating
• tarrying

2

as in lurking

to remain out of sight

He told his partner to sit tight while he went to get backup.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lurking
• hiding
• lying low
• lying
• holing up
• skulking
• reposing
• sneaking
• slinking
• evading
• avoiding
• eluding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appearing
• coming out
• showing up
• turning up
• materializing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sitting tight

The candidates who spent 2024 and 2025 sitting tight will start moving when the conditions shift—and the move will happen faster than many organizations expect. — Miriam Groom, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

His goal sparked an offensive assault from Boise as Portland sank into a deep defensive mould, with five defenders and four midfielders sitting tight in their own box. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026