as in to delay
to move or act slowly
since they were charging by the hour, the house painters lingered in finishing up their work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 linger
These symptoms generally dissipate over time, but if the infection isn’t treated, the disease can linger in the body and even progress to a chronic phase.
—
Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
At its core, the egg is believed to act as a channel absorbing energetic residue that may linger after emotionally or spiritually taxing experiences.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Despite the lingering heat, cardigans and chunky knits are calling my name.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
The star corner hasn't seen the field since July 28 due to a hamstring injury that has continued to linger for over a month.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
At its core, the egg is believed to act as a channel absorbing energetic residue that may linger after emotionally or spiritually taxing experiences.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Despite the lingering heat, cardigans and chunky knits are calling my name.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
The star corner hasn't seen the field since July 28 due to a hamstring injury that has continued to linger for over a month.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linger
Verb
-
After lightning delayed kickoff for an hour, Colleyville Heritage (1-1) fell behind quickly in a back-and-forth game.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
In the last few years, Beyoncé, Pink, and Noah Kahan, among others, have had concerts canceled or delayed by extreme lightning, rain, or wildfire smoke.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And to get there, visitors will have to make their way through scare zones brimming with crawling monsters and roaring chainsaws.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Insects crawled through clinical areas, and staff food was stored alongside medical supplies.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Stars not just in front of, but within the dusty nebula, poke through all but the densest gas.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In July 2024, Thompson's daughter Gaia shared a cheeky post on her Instagram Stories poking fun at 2023's Barbie movie's tagline — and Thompson's ex, Kenneth Branagh.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This is not about dragging NATO into war.—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
After being struck from behind, he was dragged to the ground and mauled him, with other lions joined in, per Khaosod English.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
There, the crop continued to grow while white-faced ibis and killdeer birds loitered around the water.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Later that year, Iranian-made one-way Shahed-136 loitering munitions operated by Russia began targeting Ukrainian cities and the electricity grid.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Adults can stroll the grounds sipping beer and wine, which are sold on site.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Officers stroll the streets of Beijing with Motorola walkie talkies.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linger. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share