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

While the old adage says slow is smooth and smooth is fast, Illinois is lagging far behind progressive states such as New York and Maine that have passed moratoriums on data centers. — Patrick McNamara, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 Paxton has lagged in fundraising when compared to Talarico, and Republicans such as former Bush adviser Karl Rove have critiqued Paxton’s campaigning efforts. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 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

The lag between wages and inflation comes at a difficult time for consumers, especially those in lower income tiers. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 By removing settlement lag, companies can free up cash trapped in transit, effectively lowering the overall cost of capital and short-term borrowing needs. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag

Verb

Some members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee still expect inflation, outside of food and energy, to fade over time and may not feel a rate hike is necessary.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
Reid Detmers struck out eight over six innings, and Jose Siri and Denzer Guzman each drove in two runs to help the Angels beat the fading Seattle Mariners 6-4 on Monday night.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of fade

Verb

Some of that January increase reflects workers who secured jobs during the final months of the previous year but delayed their start dates.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pouring billions of dollars into developing a domestic tech ecosystem under his Vision 2030 program, even as some mega-projects are delayed.

— Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of delay

Noun

Several artificial-intelligence stocks meanwhile held steadier following their worldwide slide the day before, after leaders of the AI industry called for a slowdown in development to address safety issues for humanity.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Now Wall Street is weighing what a potential slowdown in model development could mean across the industry.

— Seema Mody, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of slowdown

Verb

Visiting missionaries fill tribal members’ gas tanks and replace their sagging roofs.

— Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
While execs don’t publicly characterize it this way, it was motivated in part by Comcast’s sagging stock price, which reflects growing concern about pressure on broadband growth.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of sag

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

As a kid, three chickens might be divided among the children; hesitation meant going hungry.

— Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
While Presley made appearances on The Milton Berle Show and The Steve Allen Show, among many others, Sullivan had hesitations about platforming the provocative singer, whose dance moves thrilled some audiences while offending others.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of hesitation

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ladyships

lag

laggard

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“Lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lag. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lag

verb

adjective

noun

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