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

The national tally lags behind what states are reporting as the agency must confirm each case. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 14 July 2026 But domestic spending and investment have lagged, limiting the boost from China’s export manufacturing. — ABC News, 14 July 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 outbreak is already one of the largest on record, and—given the lag between infections and symptoms, symptoms and testing, testing and reporting—these numbers are almost certainly undercounts. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 14 July 2026 The lag between purchasing tickets from FIFA and accessing them has created headaches, according to online complaints and interviews with resellers and buyers. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag

Verb

In a year where everything Skubal does has been fair game for discussion and discord, the barbs surrounding the WBC still have not faded.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
But our excitement fades as Nolan’s camera captures the men raping women, looting houses and reveling in the violence.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026

Definition of fade

Noun

That reflects a long-running slowdown in home construction driven by rising expenses from materials and labor as well as changes in local zoning and permitting rules and lingering scars from the 2008 subprime mortgage collapse.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Cramer said investors were too focused on a slowdown in order growth after an exceptionally strong stretch.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Definition of slowdown

Verb

The floods drew attention to still unhealed wounds — and lingering regrets.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
But perhaps the performance that lingers most in our minds is that of Elliot Page, 39, who in just a few short scenes anchors the film with his guileless sincerity and righteous anger.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 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

Trust reduces hesitation, especially when people are comparing options fast and looking for a reason to stay.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Rather, congressional hesitation on what would be the largest election reform in decades reflects an awareness of constituent needs and lawmakers’ own reelection risks.

— SoRelle Wyckoff Gaynor, The Conversation, 17 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lag

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noun

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