LINGER Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

linger

verb

ˈliŋ-gər

Definition of linger

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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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 Garth, for her part, had some lingering feelings about how the whole thing played out. — Brian Galindo, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2026 The contrast between the public celebration and the union’s lingering concerns was also evident in the union’s presence at the news conference. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 The events of that October night became a lingering mystery, one that would sit idle with no arrests for over a decade, according to ABC News. — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026 Moving through that lingering grief as a community is one of the most powerful components of the Hollywood Forever event, Silva added. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for linger

Recent Examples of Synonyms for linger

Verb

The tests could easily do the opposite, as people with results suggesting cancer require follow-up testing that overwhelms our healthcare system, potentially delaying diagnoses for people with cancer.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
The game was one of many across the Southland delayed or postponed by lightning, particularly in Orange County.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

This suspect returns back to his car, retrieves his handgun, walks back over to the victim, who’s trying to crawl away with her life, and executes her.

— Dan Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
That’s because the moon began to crawl across it about half an hour ago.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of crawl

Verb

But with just a step to her other side or a shake of her head on stage, the near-auburn shade moves to the forefront, with dimensional pieces of golden blonde poking through.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 30 Oct. 2026
In the close-up clip, the Gossip Girl actress’ face is completely covered except for her eyes, nose and lips poking through a white face mask.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of poke

Verb

The system features a 30 mm automatic cannon, supported by sensors and a fire control system designed to engage aerial threats such as drones, helicopters and loitering munitions.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Something of an old-fashioned centre-forward, Lepaul rarely gets involved in build-up play, preferring instead to loiter up front.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of loiter

Verb

Part of the charm of traveling in New England is waking up in a town that feels plucked right out of a movie, grabbing a latte at the local coffee shop, and strolling down streets filled with homes bearing historic placards.

— Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 3 Nov. 2026
Cara Hile and her mother, Jeri, strolled up to a two-story home in Brookside Saturday, pamphlets in-hand.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of stroll

Browse Nearby Words

line up

linger

lingered

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“Linger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linger. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of linger

verb

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