as in leisurely
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the dillydallying congress hadn't passed any legislation, and the term was almost over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in delaying
to move or act slowly
don't dillydally on the way to the store
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dawdling
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dillydallying
Adjective
-
The Lounge remains a favorite for leisurely breakfasts and afternoon tea.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026 -
If all goes according to plan, its protective heat shield and a sequence of massive parachutes will ensure that the capsule—and the four astronauts inside—will land with a gentle splash in the Pacific Ocean at a leisurely 17 miles per hour.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For a worker with a $2,200 monthly benefit at full retirement age, living to 85 and delaying from 62 to 70 produces roughly $66,240 more in total lifetime benefits.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
-
As a result, the agency halted balloon launches at some locations and is delaying them elsewhere.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Further, there’s no excuse for Congress to continue dawdling on farm policy.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Faster pit stops could also help unlock sales for electric two-wheelers, which have been slow to catch on due to dawdling charge times and limited riding range.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Mar. 2023
Adjective
-
Plane outlets are often slow, loose, or even nonexistent, and when delays stack up, a dead phone becomes a real problem—not just an inconvenience.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
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When Manning began teaching in the early 1990s, communication between teachers and parents moved at a slower, more deliberate pace.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This pick swap between the Bulls and Trail Blazers is a final lingering mechanism from a 2021 three-team trade that sent Lauri Markkanen to the Cleveland Cavaliers.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
In an interview last month with CBS News, Kirby said the potential of lingering high fuel prices could be an opportunity for United to expand.—
Kris Van Cleave,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Neurobots spend less time idling and more time exploring.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Other steps like keeping tires inflated, using A/C sparingly as needed, using cruise control, avoiding long idling, and servicing your vehicle regularly can also significantly help save fuel, GasBuddy recommends.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
While some Lebanese people support Hezbollah, some also blame the group for dragging them into yet another war.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Community meetings about data centers nationwide are growing chaotic and contentious, with reports of police dragging residents outside and council members being threatened.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The cushions are firm but still super comfortable, making the sectional perfect for lounging.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
These palazzo pants are great for long travel days, hanging out by the pool, and lounging in your hotel room at night.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dillydallying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dillydallying. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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