dillydally

verb

ˈdi-lē-ˌda-lē How to pronounce dillydally (audio)
Definition of dillydallynext
1
as in to delay
to move or act slowly don't dillydally on the way to the store

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to lazy
to spend time doing nothing restaurant employees who, during the slow periods, would rather be doing something instead of just dillydallying

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dillydally There was the tapping of the top of the bat to his toes, scribbling in the dirt, adjusting his gloves and swiping his shoulder, among other displays of dillydallying. — Anna Brand, CNN, 30 Mar. 2023 Bathroom breaks and other excuses for dillydallying give your heart rate a chance to return to normal. — Elizabeth Narins, Cosmopolitan, 22 May 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dillydally
  1. delay
  2. dawdle
  3. linger
  4. idle
  5. drag
  6. bum
  7. poke
  8. relax
Verb
  • Walter Mischel, a psychologist who taught at Stanford and Columbia, conducted some of the most famous studies on delaying gratification in the late 1960s and 1970s.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Parents who addressed the board on Thursday urged the district to delay the vote and take more time to review logistics.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • Gvardiol looked jittery early on, rallied a little to break up some dangerous Porto attacks, but then started giving the ball away again and was booked for a needless pull after being caught dawdling in possession.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Don’t dawdle, though, as the air temperature in the room or your warm hand on the glass can transfer their thermal energy to melt the rest of the ice and then begin to raise the temperature of your drink!
    — Matthew Koss, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of dawdle
Verb
  • With their feelings for each other blossoming, the two go out for dinner, which is full of Rushville patrons with lingering hatred for Hal.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In the scene, Simon’s family speaks Kreyòl — although to varying degrees of proficiency — and the camera lingers on the Haitian feast presented on the table.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • But every watt lost to idle draw while a cooler cycles, or to low-power conversion while a light stays on, is energy already paid for and carried, but never used.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Diesel engine idling and high-risk industrial activity across the street from homes and parks would bring air, noise and light pollution.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of idle
Verb
  • Oil prices have stayed above $100 per barrel as the Middle East conflict dragged on with few signs of a diplomatic off-ramp.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • But as the weeks dragged on, and the talks between the companies continued, Ellison and his team felt that they were not being taken seriously, and that WBD was preferencing other bidders.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of drag
Verb
  • The joy Lisa has with her RHUGT cast compared with the dread her RHOSLC cast seems to bring her really bums me out — especially because of how much of this trip is championing the sisterhood of Housewives.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • My conversation partner returned, somehow unable to bum even a single cigarette from anyone at this party.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026
Definition of bum
Verb
  • From ceviche and poke to pasta and tacos, the menu revolves around the catch of the day, which is sourced from local markets.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Bellingham poked in Gordon's cross midway through the first half.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of poke
Verb
  • The third, Surrender, is a massage performed in water, in which the buoyancy and warmth allow the body to completely relax and let go.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Because of the data center being built in his backyard, Butters’ television loses power constantly, leaving him unable to relax and watch his beloved videos.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of relax

Browse Nearby Words

dillydallies
dillydally
dillydallying
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Cite this Entry

“Dillydally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dillydally. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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