as in leisurely
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the dallying diners seemed oblivious to the fact that other customers were impatiently waiting for tables
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in playing
to engage in activity for amusement
he spent his college years dallying, seemingly determined to acquire as little knowledge as possible
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delaying
to move or act slowly
don't dally on the way to the interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in flirting
to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun
she spent the summer dallying with a guy renting the neighboring beach house
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4
as in dawdling
to spend time doing nothing
I kept dallying at my desk until I couldn't put off doing my work any longer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in loafing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dallying
Adjective
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For an extra touch of exclusivity, guests can book private outings on the resort’s 34-foot Hinckley Picnic Boat — ideal for sunset cruises or a leisurely day on the water.—
Angela Caraway-Carlton,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 2025 -
From here, enjoy a leisurely drive along iconic Skyline Drive, which winds 101 miles along the park’s ridgeline.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Vought, who helped write the policy blueprint known as Project 2025, is playing a major role during the shutdown, including on decisions over whether there are mass layoffs of federal employees instead of furloughs and what funding is cut and what is allowed to flow.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
George Clooney is playing a movie star, and that was sort of built into the idea.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The federal government shut down Wednesday, delaying pay for federal workers (of whom there are 25,000 in Indiana), placing question marks on the financial health of federal aid programs like SNAP and WIC, and causing mass confusion and limbo in immigration court.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
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Staffing challenges – either at the local level, at the federal level or both – also could play a significant role in delaying interactions between the CDC and local health departments.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Brækhus has been flirting with retirement ever since her first loss to McCaskill, but now, finally, feels ready to step away.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
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Powell doesn’t just mean that stock prices are flirting with record highs.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Further, there’s no excuse for Congress to continue dawdling on farm policy.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The episodes feel choppy, hardly letting anything land, yet still feeling slow.—
Grace Byron,
Vulture,
6 Oct. 2025
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The crowd, quietening into a slow clap with the moment building, burst into a celebration.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some analysts predict the measures could push Tehran to take a tougher nuclear stance, but the lingering threat of US and Israeli attacks gives Iran’s leaders limited strategic flexibility.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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Miss Molly still lives on, lingering at the foot of guest’s bed.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Plus, save on stretchy leggings and wide-leg lounge pants, which are both great for traveling, lounging, and running errands.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
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Even the arm and backrests are adjustable to provide the maximum amount of comfort while lounging.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
3 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dallying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dallying. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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