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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of linger
What replaces these plans is unclear and has plunged public land managers, local communities and even industry into uncertainty that will linger for years.
—
Scott Braden, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Today’s astro-weather could pull your attention toward family matters or unresolved situations at home that still linger in the back of your mind.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Others lingered near the bar, clutching cocktails and scanning the room before finally introducing themselves to strangers.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
Beneath today’s economic pressures remains a lingering question many workers continue asking themselves that questions what a sustainable life actually looks like in an increasingly unstable economy.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linger
Scott Braden, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Today’s astro-weather could pull your attention toward family matters or unresolved situations at home that still linger in the back of your mind.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Others lingered near the bar, clutching cocktails and scanning the room before finally introducing themselves to strangers.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
Beneath today’s economic pressures remains a lingering question many workers continue asking themselves that questions what a sustainable life actually looks like in an increasingly unstable economy.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linger
Verb
-
Alexis Mac Allister, whose fall from grace this season has been akin to Fabinho’s stark decline in 2022-23, stupidly delayed the taking of a Villa corner with some playacting which even prompted Slot to tell him to get up.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
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Air Charter Service offers an eclipse charter flight from London Stansted Airport that gives eclipse chasers flexibility by delaying the final destination decision until close to departure day, allowing organizers to target the clearest skies.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Analysts have repeatedly warned that if the war drags on and supply chains are disrupted for long enough, prices for gas and a range of other goods could continue to climb.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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Billy, who speaks in a honeyed southern accent, dresses in Old Hollywood drag, and lives alone in the defunct summer camp where Camp Miasma was shot, isn’t just an envoy from another generation but a representative of a more visceral relationship with art.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Surveillance video from one convenience store that was burglarized shows a man in a hoodie crawling in through a hole in the bottom of the front door, climbing over the front counter and opening the cash register.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
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Staff started out by wearing bear masks and animal furs, then crawling into the enclosure to spoon-feed the cubs formula.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Spikes of speedwell look lovely poking up along the edges of paths and garden beds in summer.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
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Some birds also will poke holes in the ground looking for tasty critters.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Russia soon augmented its capabilities by acquiring Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 loitering munitions from Iran.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
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Daisy doesn’t have to spend too much time loitering in downtown Toronto before Gilead makes its move.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Complete with a stable underfoot feel made to seamlessly transition from the gym to street, these sneakers can carry you through intense workouts to European city strolls without missing a beat.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
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Either way, grab a drink or coffee at the lobby bar or stroll an expansive veranda outfitted with fire pits, walking paths, and the aforementioned ocean view before your room is ready.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linger. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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