Synonyms of waylaid

waylaid

verb

past tense of waylay

as in ambushed

to lie in wait for and attack by surprise

a lonely stretch of highway along which unsuspecting tourists are often waylaid by gangs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambushed
• attacked
• assaulted
• surprised
• captured
• ambuscaded
• assailed
• trapped
• tackled
• stormed
• stalked
• mugged
• hunted
• jumped
• struck
• sallied
• ensnared
• snared
• entrapped
• pounced (on)
• charged
• netted
• preyed (on or upon)
• mousetrapped

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of waylaid

In the film Rap World (which Bensinger also edited), Bensinger, O’Malley, and Rahill play suburban deadbeats eager to make an album, each man waylaid by his own hubris and distractions. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

But in the meantime, on their nut-selling quest, Zuriko and Gela are unfortunately — though perhaps inevitably, given that in these parts Murphy’s law is the only one strictly observed — waylaid by highway robbers. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

On Stranger Tides featured Depp but no Knightley or Bloom) before both Depp and Rush were waylaid by legal troubles. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2026

That past haunts Léo throughout his week-long trip to the City of Lights, where he’s waylaid before heading to Italy to deal with the death of his estranged and supposedly wealthy father. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

But that undertaking, primarily fueled by private dollars, has been waylaid due to getting a needed booster flight-qualified. — Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026

What had been perhaps Buxton’s finest overall season has been waylaid by a hip impingement that’s twice landed him on the IL and wrecked his production even when on the field since the start of July. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Or the family might have simply gotten waylaid by other plans. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 27 July 2026

But unlike Odysseus, who survives being waylaid by giants, sorceresses, nymphs, and numerous other distractions, Nolan himself becomes dragged down by the details of his Odyssey. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 July 2026