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 Russian forces have made extensive use of drones bearing a striking resemblance to Iran's Shahed line of loitering munitions, and instances of North Korean artillery and even troops on the battlefield in Ukraine have been presented by U.S. and South Korean intelligence. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 For reasons unknown — maybe the lil’ guy was cursed by a Roma traveler, or became possessed by malevolent spirits previously loitering in a fancy Colorado hotel, or simply hung out too long with an evil clown who lives in the sewer — the automaton’s musical chops causes mayhem and carnage. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 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 At the time of Fassler’s field study, in 2021, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic had plunged the neighborhood into such a distressed state that loitering there felt unsafe. Mara Hoberman, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loiter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loiter
Verb
  • The whale lingers for a moment, and the video ends.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • But everyone must weigh their options should this trade war linger on.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Even so, merely delaying the change doesn't help others and, frankly, customer service could still suffer longer term.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • However, the brothers will still have a resentencing hearing soon, provided it does not get delayed again.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Senators from both sides of the aisle are reigniting efforts to crawl back technology companies’ legal immunities with hopes bipartisan support in Congress could push the bill across the finish line this session and gain the backing of President Trump.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Hector had been poking fun at Lisa’s special interest: Taylor Swift.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Carrick’s penalty proved costly, as neither Trocheck nor Braden Schneider could muscle Point away from poking a puck past Shesterkin’s pad.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The average is dragged lower by the three most recent economic contractions, which were all atypical.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Watkins combines that with intelligent runs in behind, dragging defenders with him.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Spend an afternoon strolling around downtown’s Market Square and enjoying the ample greenspace at World’s Fair Park.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Bravo’s comments about Woodley come after the pair were first spotted strolling in Paris together last month.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loiter. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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