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

Leading up to the June primary, lagging in polls and fundraising, and dogged by a federal probe of a former staffer accused of siphoning money from his dormant campaign account, Becerra was largely an afterthought. — Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026 But for Donalds to hold only a slight poll advantage follows the national trend of Republicans lagging behind in traditional strongholds. — Maham Javaid, NPR, 1 Nov. 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

But a lag between Earth and the Moon or Mars makes for difficulty in controlling the robots. — Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 Part of the reason for this lag has to do with what the fashion business inherently is. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag

Verb

Outside that period, stations are allowed to use a winter blend, which is cheaper to produce, explaining why prices often fade in the fall.

— Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Oil prices have fallen sharply in recent days on hopes that the Iran conflict is fading, and gas costs are falling this month.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of fade

Verb

The resort delayed its opening by a few days to allow for more snowmaking, and a few intermediate runs will be open beginning tomorrow.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Chicago Board of Elections spokesperson Julie Metea said final results are delayed because of a surge of 34,000 same-day voter registrations Tuesday.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of delay

Adjective

The offer will be available while stocks last, with final promotional dates and regional pricing still to be confirmed.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Rice is in the final year of a four-year rookie contract and is expected to make $1,560,711 this season, according to Spotrac.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of final

Noun

The fresh data arrived at a delicate moment for the central bank, where policymakers are weighing a rate increase that could help tackle inflation but risks a slowdown in hiring.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
Without such a slowdown, Amodei warned AI could be capable of letting loose a swarm of agents that could take over the entire internet within six to 12 months.

— Michelle Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of slowdown

Verb

But that first 1950s iteration, played by both a puppet and a man lumbering in a baggy costume, had dead Muppet eyes and the sagging physique of a gym teacher.

— Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Tech stocks have sagged as investors grow concerned over their ballooning debt piles at a time of rising interest rates.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of sag

Verb

The result is a thick haze that can linger over the capital and surrounding areas for days.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
The results raised long-standing concerns over the quality of work and whether the lingering contamination could present risks to the residents.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 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

Caplin News / Florida International University Part of his hesitation came from questioning whether his vote could influence an election, particularly in presidential races decided through the Electoral College.

— Sabrina Lozano, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
In the fourth quarter against Knicks, Wilson ran up the court in transition, collected a pass at the top of the key and fired off another 3 with the same signature lack of hesitation.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of lag

verb

adjective

noun

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