as in delaying
to move or act slowly
don't loiter in this neighborhood after dark
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lingering
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Recent Examples of loitering
David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
On-record interviews indicate that naval UAVs for anti-landing denial are already in service; loitering munitions are approaching operational test completion with price points set for mass; autonomous cruise drones are on a near-term test-to-production path with local manufacture.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Advanced defense technology firms are working with Taiwan to expand the island’s access to cutting-edge capabilities, such as loitering munitions, sea mines, unmanned aerial systems, unmanned surface vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles, and electronic warfare and communications equipment.
—Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
The detectives went and wrote a criminal complaint, charging Ruth with stalking and loitering and prowling at night, misdemeanors that did not reflect the seriousness, or danger, of the situation, and got a warrant for his arrest.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
He had also been charged with trespassing as well as loitering and prowling at night, according to online court records filed earlier on Wednesday.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
Morong got to Charlotte in 2005, but had been loitering around the film scene for about five years up to that point.
—Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Later that year, Iranian-made one-way Shahed-136 loitering munitions operated by Russia began targeting Ukrainian cities and the electricity grid.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Crowder was charged with one count of loitering with intent to commit a crime for the July 22 incident.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Cincinnati plans to prohibit loitering at its transit centers, such as Government Square, after the city says conditions have deterred some from taking public transportation.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
On-record interviews indicate that naval UAVs for anti-landing denial are already in service; loitering munitions are approaching operational test completion with price points set for mass; autonomous cruise drones are on a near-term test-to-production path with local manufacture.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Advanced defense technology firms are working with Taiwan to expand the island’s access to cutting-edge capabilities, such as loitering munitions, sea mines, unmanned aerial systems, unmanned surface vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles, and electronic warfare and communications equipment.
—Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
The detectives went and wrote a criminal complaint, charging Ruth with stalking and loitering and prowling at night, misdemeanors that did not reflect the seriousness, or danger, of the situation, and got a warrant for his arrest.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
He had also been charged with trespassing as well as loitering and prowling at night, according to online court records filed earlier on Wednesday.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
Morong got to Charlotte in 2005, but had been loitering around the film scene for about five years up to that point.
—Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Later that year, Iranian-made one-way Shahed-136 loitering munitions operated by Russia began targeting Ukrainian cities and the electricity grid.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Crowder was charged with one count of loitering with intent to commit a crime for the July 22 incident.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loitering
Verb
-
Some analysts predict the measures could push Tehran to take a tougher nuclear stance, but the lingering threat of US and Israeli attacks gives Iran’s leaders limited strategic flexibility.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Miss Molly still lives on, lingering at the foot of guest’s bed.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Host Jimmy Kimmel milked the moment, delaying confirming that their answer was correct for a very tense minute.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Boys may experience greater benefits from delaying their start date compared to girls, said Ioakim Boutakidis, professor of child and adolescent studies at Cal State Fullerton.—
Erick Trevino,
AZCentral.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For a child who’s crawling or walking, a mat with pop-up walls or fencing can keep your little one safe and contained.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Waking up an hour earlier than expected and being hosed with mountain runoff water while crawling in the pool tested my resilience and determination.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Wandering among the half naked nymphs and leering wolves and buff mermen poking their lovely wet heads out of glassy forest pools, their eyes dark with wanting to drag her down to oblivion.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Sep. 2025
-
While some are panicking about the potential event, others are poking fun at the prediction.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Unfortunately, the infectious energy of the scare zone gets completely lost in the lethargic and drowsy maze.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
-
At first, Walters feared the chicken might not survive—describing her as lethargic and depressed.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For Thiago’s second goal midway through the first half, Ouattara ambled back towards his own goal down the centre of the pitch, dragging Shaw and Dorgu with him.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The clip ends with the owner managing to open the door—dragging the golden retriever along with it—as their other pets enter the frame to see them off.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Images shared on social media ranged from brunches and farmers markets to families strolling downtown, to counter the president’s portrayal.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
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The autumn months aren’t as crowded as Carnival season, and there is less heat and humidity, which makes strolling around the city even more enjoyable.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After a wholly inactive offseason outside of the draft, Golden State is bolstering its rotation with not a moment to spare until training camp.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Today, Narrow Way remains closed, and the café's social media accounts have been inactive since the 2022 announcement.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loitering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loitering. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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