DELAY Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'delay' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of delay are dally , dawdle , lag , loiter , and procrastinate . While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure). // we cannot delay any longer

Q: Where would 'dally' be a reasonable alternative to 'delay'?

The words dally and delay can be used in similar contexts, but dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary. // stop dallying and get to work

Q: When can 'lag' be used instead of 'delay'?

In some situations, the words lag and delay are roughly equivalent. However, lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others. // lagging behind in technology

Q: How do 'loiter' and 'dawdle' relate to one another, in the sense of 'delay'?

Both loiter and dawdle imply delay while in progress, especially in walking, but dawdle more clearly suggests an aimless wasting of time. // loitered at several store windows // children dawdling on their way home from school

Q: When is 'procrastinate' a more appropriate choice than 'delay'?

The synonyms procrastinate and delay are sometimes interchangeable, but procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy. // procrastinates about making decisions

delay 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈlā

Definition of delay next

as in wait

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business there was a delay for our boarding while the airplane unloaded incoming passengers

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delay

2 of 2

verb

as in to linger

to move or act slowly she ordered the kids to stop delaying and to get to bed

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as in to postpone

to assign to a later time our guests delayed their departure until after dinner

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word delay different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of delay are dally, dawdle, lag, loiter, and procrastinate. While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure).

we cannot delay any longer

Where would dally be a reasonable alternative to delay?

The words dally and delay can be used in similar contexts, but dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.

stop dallying and get to work

When can lag be used instead of delay?

In some situations, the words lag and delay are roughly equivalent. However, lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.

lagging behind in technology

How do loiter and dawdle relate to one another, in the sense of delay?

Both loiter and dawdle imply delay while in progress, especially in walking, but dawdle more clearly suggests an aimless wasting of time.

loitered at several store windows

children dawdling on their way home from school

When is procrastinate a more appropriate choice than delay?

The synonyms procrastinate and delay are sometimes interchangeable, but procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy.

procrastinates about making decisions

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of delay

Noun

There’s also an extra week or two of delay for a handful of MacBook Pros configured with 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage upgrades, though in general, there’s basically no sign that Apple is struggling to secure enough storage (even if some price increases have been passed on to buyers). —

ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026 Stars, royals and collaborators shone a spotlight on his work and career during David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth, which drew 5,000 people in attendance and aired on the BBC with a slight delay. —

Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026

Verb

But ongoing financial assistance, especially covering recurring expenses, can delay independence. —

Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026 Instead, the father expressed outrage at the hospital for not delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord. —

Duaa Eldeib, CNN Money, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for delay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delay

Noun

Days like Monday made the wait well worth it for Popp.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
For the first time, the Red Sox utilized a wait list for a promo night before tickets went on sale, boosting the buzz.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026

Definition of wait

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dekes

delay

delayed

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“Delay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delay. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of delay

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