as in slow
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the lagging pace of work on the project was worrisome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fading
to lose bodily strength or vigor
during the fourth quarter the whole team seemed to lag
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delaying
to move or act slowly
the tired puppy was lagging behind the rest of the pack
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lagging
Adjective
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The whales often appear unbothered, turning gently toward swimmers or drifting by in slow, graceful passes.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025 -
Now, in the new study, researchers have gathered data that supports the theory that the demise of tropical forests, and their slow recovery, limited carbon sequestration – a process where carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and held in plants, soils or minerals.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
First popular as a leisurely racquet sport among the aristocracy of England, tennis players often wore long trousers, sporty knit vests and even neckties to dress for the sport.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Moreover, the split season allowed leisurely hunting.—
Jack O'Connor,
Outdoor Life,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Magical door wash to welcome in the new To create your magic door wash, start with a glass mason jar and cleanse the space above it by ringing a bell in a clockwise motion to clear any lingering energy.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
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Don't jump to conclusions about a compromise state budget plan with cuts, taxes and a lingering bit of uncertainty.—
Baltimore Sun Editorial Board,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Bush’s father, President George H.W. Bush, came under fire in 1992 for his laggard response to Andrew in Florida, a Category 5 hurricane with winds that reached 165 mph, shortly before his reelection contest against Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton.—
Julian Zelizer,
CNN,
30 Sep. 2022
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Its laggard incubation period gives us a full 21 days to intervene between exposure and disease.—
Abdul El-Sayed,
The New Republic,
29 Sep. 2022
Adjective
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The overall effect is one of decadence laced with a creeping sense of horror.—
Charlie Jane Anders,
Washington Post,
7 Feb. 2023
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As a child, she was plagued by anxiety and the creeping sense that adults, especially her mother, were keeping secrets from the kids.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Jan. 2023
Verb
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Having no willingness to pay Tucker and failing to approach pending free agent Framber Valdez this spring about an extension is more emblematic of how the Astros have always conducted business.—
Chandler Rome,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
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The Millsap school board unanimously accepted the resignation of Superintendent Edie Martin, who was recently arrested and faces a charge related to failing to report abuse of special education students.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On Wednesday, March 19, the couple filmed an Instagram Reel poking fun at their recent red carpet interview with Extra at the grand re-opening of Planet Hollywood in NYC on Tuesday, March 11.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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Roots Growing Out Drainage Holes Roots poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot is a sure sign your plant needs a bigger pot.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lagging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lagging. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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