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 In orbit, the spaceplane opens the doors to its cargo bay and extends a solar panel to produce electricity, allowing the X-37B to loiter in orbit for years. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 This comes on the heels of reports of drones that loitered over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia off and on for nearly two weeks. Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Dec. 2024 The increase is attributed to higher demand for loitering munitions systems. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 5 Dec. 2024 The loitering munitions systems sales were up a whopping 60% y-o-y in fiscal 2024, while the uncrewed systems revenue were up 30%. Trefis Team, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for loiter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loiter
Verb
  • Managers don’t always appreciate lingering legacies.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Private patios are planted with succulents and shaded by native trees, while the center of the property is anchored by a sunken dipping pool and communal fire pit perfect for lingering evenings and slow conversations.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There's also great uncertainty as Trump seeks negotiations with China and begins talks with other counties whose larger tariffs were delayed by 90 days.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Do not use antihistamines for severe food allergies that require using an EpiPen, as this can delay necessary treatment and be life-threatening.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Freya crawled on top of her, interrupting the seizure.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Continue to update your site with new, high-quality blogs, and search engines will more frequently crawl your site.
    Tonia Ryan, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The senator poked holes in the story that was being spread by Bukele's and Trump's allies and said the entire meeting was suspect from the beginning.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The officers then dragged Feliz out of his car, pulling his pants down and exposing his genitals in the process.
    Lourdes Rosado, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025
  • On the flip side, Jamal Murray dragged the Clippers for 43 points.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For a more cushioned New Balance option, consider the Fresh Foam 1080s, which Glamour contributor and marathoner Jenny McCoy swears by for both long-distance running and casual neighborhood strolling.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • His goal was to capture that throwback feeling of aimless summer days strolling down the boardwalk with the frozen snack in hand in his Lemon Italian Ice flavor.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loiter. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loiter

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