procrastinate

Definition of procrastinatenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of procrastinate are dally, dawdle, delay, lag, and loiter. While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy.

procrastinates about making decisions

When could dally be used to replace procrastinate?

While the synonyms dally and procrastinate are close in meaning, dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.

stop dallying and get to work

When might delay be a better fit than procrastinate?

In some situations, the words delay and procrastinate are roughly equivalent. 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 procrastinate?

While in some cases nearly identical to procrastinate, lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.

lagging behind in technology

How are the words loiter and dawdle related as synonyms of procrastinate?

Both 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

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 procrastinate Nolan, an elections veteran, has sage advice for voters who may be procrastinating at filling out and returning their ballots. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025 Even among clothing and footwear purveyors that remain unshaken in their promises, nearly two-thirds are procrastinating on their decarbonization schedules, a recent McKinsey study found. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025 Hunnam procrastinated out of fear, taking another job before beginning the process of discovering Gein. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025 Again, don’t procrastinate in pursuing these roles. Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for procrastinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for procrastinate
Verb
  • If Takaichi cannot enact the budget by the end of March, her government would have to compile a stop-gap budget, which could delay execution of spending measures.
    Reuters, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
  • For people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, delaying or not getting care could be fatal.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ellison’s office had expressed concern that in future cases, companies could use litigation to stall for time and likewise run out the clock.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
  • An effort to set that up stalled in the California legislature last year, but there's a growing pressure to revive something like it.
    Kirk Siegler, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As its offense crawled back, the defense forced three turnovers on downs.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The country is crawling with hot springs and spa retreats, like the famed Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • At one point, as Rummler is being dragged toward the building, the video captures blood streaming down his face and his attempts to reach toward his neck and his apparent struggle to breathe.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Yet the first episode drags on a bit, laying a ton of groundwork and backstory before the proper investigation begins.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Procrastinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/procrastinate. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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