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

Still some lingering light rain and breezy conditions across parts of the Northeast for tomorrow morning, but not a washout for most. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

One dad jumped onto Reddit to vent about his recent experience on a flight with his family–and how being judged has led to some lingering hurt. — Devonne Goode, Parents, 26 Sep. 2026

On the restaurant terrace, guests lingered over a late breakfast after an early-morning session in the open-air Pilates studio. — Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

After lingering over spaghetti alle vongole at Ristorante Lido Azzurro, which hovers over the sea near Amalfi’s harbor, zip around the coast to sea caverns and grottos, pausing for dips in secluded spots away from the crowds. — Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026