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

Examples 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 mid-April, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was briefed on a new drone capable of intercepting Russian helicopters and loitering munitions. Justin Ling, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024 What To Know The U.K.'s military aid package for Ukraine includes £92 million ($116 million) allocated for equipment meant to bolster Ukraine's navy, comprising small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 The increase is attributed to higher demand for loitering munitions systems. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 5 Dec. 2024 The rehab of the existing structure will add a new roof and windows, as well as an internal courtyard, which could offer an alternative to loitering on the sidewalk. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loiter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loiter
Verb
  • Plan to linger over natural wine and a mix of market-fresh plates as the music slowly shifts, turning the venue into a bit more of a party as the day goes on.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Although some investors were wary (and snobbery toward jukebox musicals still lingered), Swept Away managed to raise $14.5 million from investors.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Due to the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, CBS delayed the start of the reboot of classic game show Hollywood Squares until Thursday, January 16 at 8 p.m. ET.
    Marc Berman, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay its implementation of the upcoming law and reportedly met with TikTok’s chief executive officer Shou Chew last month.
    Denni Hu, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Emma Corrin — who plays Anna Harding, best friend to Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen Hutter — had to film a scene covered in rats that crawled on their bare chest.
    Laura Bradley, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The investigators will lay out a grid at the scene, typically with string, and literally crawl around on their hands and knees in search of footprints or other clues.
    Adiel Kaplan, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Some of his fellow officers poked fun at him and his blue vest.
    Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In a signature segment, the Joke Wall, performers in mod regalia poked their heads out of holes in a set, like cuckoos emerging from a clock, and spouted one-liners.
    Susan Morrison, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The video shows a man trying to drag Zakariya’s lifeless body before he too is shot.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The deputies dragged Payne across the floor, according to the complaint.
    Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Southern Bridge that connects the nether end of tony Palm Beach Island to the mainland city of West Palm Beach was once a calm overpass where people strolled alongside Bentleys over the Intracoastal Waterway.
    Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Elephants on parade: Family seen strolling down a mountain road A family of elephants was spotted taking a walk down a mountain road in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand.
    Andrea Margolis, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near loiter

Cite this Entry

“Loiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loiter. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loiter

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