lag 1 of 3

lag

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verb

lag

3 of 3

noun

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
Adjective
With Baja mode activated, the twin-turbo V-6 engages the turbochargers' anti-lag function, and there's negligible delay in the power delivery during the quick on/off throttle sequences common to desert running. David Beard, Car and Driver, 20 June 2022 And some more good news for lovers of the distinctive fusillade produced by the original Impreza rally cars: this one keeps anti-lag, injecting fuel into the turbocharger to keep it spinning off-throttle. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 June 2022
Verb
Meanwhile, more defensive sectors such as consumer staples and health care, along with interest-rate sensitive areas like real estate and utilities, continue to lag behind. Jeff Marks,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 May 2025 The Knicks are going to need more — not just from McBride, but from a bench unit that has lagged behind all postseason. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 May 2025
Noun
Monthly Treasury data usually comes with a lag, and the most recent figures released in March are from January. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025 Recent citywide crime The number of offenses reported for the most recent two weeks (after omitting the most recent week of available data to control for reporting lags) compared with the number reported for the two weeks before that. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag
Adjective
  • The pieces are easy for little fingers to manipulate, and the final project is delightful—an archery set that shoots little balls at a target!
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 17 May 2025
  • From there, Jin narrowed down the final count to seven songs, each exploring themes of love and connection.
    Olivia Munson, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Advisors who can build trust and act as a central coordinator for these services are invaluable—and often become long-term partners even after the spotlight fades.
    Jason Katz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • When possible, keep your collection in a cool, dry place (away from direct sunlight) to prevent early deterioration or fading over time.
    Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Early morning flights are typically the least likely to be canceled or delayed, and taking nonstop flights whenever possible reduces your chances of an issue during your journey.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The board also leaves out other considerations that people have for delaying or not having children: the environmental crisis, for one example.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Consumers and businesses are changing their spending habits, contributing to a noticeable slowdown in the economy.
    Christian Weller, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • This report portrays the current state of the housing sector, with analysts watching for signs of any further slowdown in sales activity.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • The shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
  • 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
Verb
  • While Donald Trump’s return sparked surges early in the year, including brief all-time highs across major tokens, prices have largely sagged.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 9 May 2025
  • Even when his overall approval ratings sagged, voters consistently gave him his highest marks on the economy.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Further afield is the prospect of an India-EU FTA, although that process has dragged on for a decade.
    Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • That dragged its stock down even though the company also reported a better profit for the latest quarter than expected.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • That’s where the Oracle of Omaha’s other main hesitation with real estate factors in: Buying property is often a hassle.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • Lionel says yes, and before more than a few moments go by the two have tumbled into bed, without fear or hesitation.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lag. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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