LAG Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of lag are dally , dawdle , delay , loiter , and procrastinate . While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others. // lagging behind in technology

Q: When might 'dally' be a better fit than 'lag'?

Although the words dally and lag have much in common, dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary. // stop dallying and get to work

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

In some situations, the words delay and lag are roughly equivalent. However, delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure). // we cannot delay any longer

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

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: In what contexts can 'procrastinate' take the place of 'lag'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lag , procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy. // procrastinates about making decisions

lag 1 of 3

verb

Definition of lag

as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor during the fourth quarter the whole team seemed to lag

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to delay

to move or act slowly the tired puppy was lagging behind the rest of the pack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lag

2 of 3

adjective

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time we're now in the lag end of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lag

3 of 3

noun

as in slowdown

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of lag are dally, dawdle, delay, loiter, and procrastinate. While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.

lagging behind in technology

When might dally be a better fit than lag?

Although the words dally and lag have much in common, dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.

stop dallying and get to work

When is delay a more appropriate choice than lag?

In some situations, the words delay and lag are roughly equivalent. However, delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure).

we cannot delay any longer

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

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

In what contexts can procrastinate take the place of lag?

While in some cases nearly identical to lag, 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 lag

Verb

In academic performance, boys lag well behind girls in elementary school, high school, and college, where female undergraduates now outnumber their male peers roughly 2 to 1. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026 For all its trials and tribulations, Chicagoland retains enviable advantages vis-a-vis other metro areas, but its growth over more than a decade seriously lags many of those peer regions. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Adjective

However, his skill level and feel lag way behind his athletic indicators. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Get worse over the next few weeks, but that still – that has a lag effect. — CBS News, 4 May 2026

Noun

There’s usually a lag of a month or two between a contract signing and when the sale is finalized, which makes pending home sales a near-term bellwether for the housing market. — Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 As of this week, however, Nielsen is cutting that lag time by more than 60 percent, from 28 days to 11. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag

Verb

But hopes of winning the two states have been fading, and the GOP is increasingly focused on playing defense elsewhere with five weeks until the midterm elections.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
The fading studio carries a note of melancholy about the state of the film industry as AI advances.

— Jenny S. Li, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of fade

Verb

The fight, Haro said, is about more than extending a lease or delaying an eviction.

— Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Many airlines issue travel waivers during storms or weather advisories, allowing passengers to rebook their flights without any extra fees if it could be impacted or if it gets delayed or canceled.

— Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of delay

Adjective

In this final stretch, Ryan said, one of the biggest practical challenges has been competing with data centers for skilled union electricians, about 200 of whom are working on the site today.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Saturday will mark the final tune-up game of sorts for Miami before the schedule truly picks up the rest of the way.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of final

Noun

Despite recent calls from tech giants for a slowdown in AI development, capital expenditure on AI infrastructure remains on an expansion path, spanning data centers, chips, and power generation.

— , CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Others have rejected calls for an AI slowdown, arguing that the risks are overstated and restrictions on AI research could cause China to outpace the United States.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of slowdown

Verb

But one of them, perhaps too slow, or too confused, lingered a second longer, and the claw opened and snapped shut.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
As the duo row through pitch-black darkness toward the flame, John experiences harrowing visions of his father and of his younger self, revealed to be an effect of the fear toxin lingering in the air.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of linger

Adjective

The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
The American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.

— Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023

Definition of latest

Noun

Roosevelt is arguably the more useful example, precisely because of his hesitation, pragmatism, and self-interest.

— Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
My hesitation in choosing him had to do with his background being political in experience, not administrative.

— Marci Woodward, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of hesitation

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ladyships

lag

laggard

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Style

“Lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lag. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lag

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adjective

noun

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