Synonym Chooser

How is the word loiter different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of loiter are dally, dawdle, delay, lag, and procrastinate. While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," loiter and dawdle imply delay while in progress, especially in walking, but dawdle more clearly suggests an aimless wasting of time.

loitered at several store windows
children dawdling on their way home from school

When might dally be a better fit than loiter?

The words dally and loiter can be used in similar contexts, but dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.

stop dallying and get to work

When is it sensible to use delay instead of loiter?

The meanings of delay and loiter largely overlap; however, delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure).

we cannot delay any longer

When can lag be used instead of loiter?

While the synonyms lag and loiter are close in meaning, lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.

lagging behind in technology

When is procrastinate a more appropriate choice than loiter?

The words procrastinate and loiter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy.

procrastinates about making decisions

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 loiter His mentee wanted to play the drums, so Gilley would bring him to loiter at the local music store and play around on the instruments. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Aug. 2024 The footage showed the two men loitering in the area for several minutes, armed with a firearm, before returning to the car at 9:24 p.m. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025 The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 The specific language, though, includes some offenses such as loitering that in and of themselves aren’t exactly violent crimes. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for loiter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loiter
Verb
  • These historic areas are now openly accessible, but the legacy of segregation lingers, impacting diversity on L.A.’s beaches today.
    Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
  • No matter each individual’s previous experience with Shabbat, there was a widespread warmth and engagement with the holiday that lingered between each table.
    Sammi Tapper, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump delayed ending the trade loophole that allows low-value packages to arrive duty-free from China on Friday, meaning the products can continue to enter the U.S. without tariffs—for now.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Louisiana physicians are also delaying treatment of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy out of fear of breaking the law.
    Kerry Meagher, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • After a disastrous trip to Mexico where Irina appeared repulsed by everything Zack did, the couple split and Zack went crawling back to Bliss.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Did your skin start crawling off your body in secondhand embarrassment as Mark and Helly just kind of wobbled around in that hallway almost kissing for almost 40 damn seconds?
    Brian Grubb, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes then use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 1/2 inches apart all the way through the cake.
    Bev Barrett, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Even Belichick's former New England Patriots players poked fun at his relationship during The Roast of Tom Brady in May 2024.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • By the seventh minute, Firefighters Montalbano and Aquilina had dragged him out from beneath the train without waiting for the electricity to be turned off.
    Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The relationship between Misty and their boyfriend, who does not do drag, is sweet.
    Sandra Dallas, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Customers can dock their boats on the Intracoastal, across A1A from the Atlantic Ocean, and stroll inside the 29,912-square-foot store to shop, Willis said in December.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Spot some critters: Instead of bundling up to stroll around the zoo, bundle up and hike through the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton.
    Annalise Frank, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near loiter

Cite this Entry

“Loiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loiter. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loiter

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