Synonyms of linger

linger

verb

ˈliŋ-gər 

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

• delay
• drag
• crawl
• poke
• loiter
• stroll
• creep
• dawdle
• tarry
• play
• mope
• mark time
• lag
• fall behind
• lollygag
• drop behind
• stall
• shuffle
• diddle
• hang fire
• stagger
• dally
• dillydally
• lounge
• idle
• saunter
• drag one's feet
• shilly-shally
• take one's time
• amble
• trifle
• fool around
• loll
• putter (around)
• hang (around or out)
• fiddle (around)
• decelerate
• potter (around)
• slow (down or up)
• monkey (around)
• loaf
• mess around
• temporize
• ease
• procrastinate
• inch
• plod
• lumber
• filibuster

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hasten
• course
• hurry
• run
• rush
• fly
• scurry
• race
• tear
• rip
• career
• whisk
• scoot
• speed
• whirl
• breeze
• dash
• rocket
• run
• bolt
• zip
• barrel
• scramble
• hurtle
• dart
• jog
• hustle
• accelerate
• gallop
• stampede
• hump
• quicken
• trot
• scud
• whiz
• sprint
• speed (up)
• overtake
• hotfoot (it)
• outstrip
• outrun
• catch up
• outpace
• bowl
• fast-forward

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of linger

This season, our editors are savoring the activities that take us back to some of our favorite childhood days—jumping off docks, sliding down twisty pool slides, and lingering outside long into the evening. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

While club sources corroborated that the relationship appears in better standing, the Soto-Lindor dynamic has lingered for two seasons. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Any strange or lingering foot symptoms, though, could be a sign of a bigger health condition. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 3 July 2026

Neighbors say the changes represent meaningful progress and could help the city address nuisance properties that have lingered for years. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026