LAG Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lag' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of lag are dally , dawdle , delay , loiter , and procrastinate . While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others. // lagging behind in technology

Q: When might 'dally' be a better fit than 'lag'?

Although the words dally and lag have much in common, dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary. // stop dallying and get to work

Q: When is 'delay' a more appropriate choice than 'lag'?

In some situations, the words delay and lag are roughly equivalent. However, delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure). // we cannot delay any longer

Q: How do 'loiter' and 'dawdle' relate to one another, in the sense of 'lag'?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'procrastinate' take the place of 'lag'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lag , procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy. // procrastinates about making decisions

lag 1 of 3

verb

Definition of lag

as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor during the fourth quarter the whole team seemed to lag

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to delay

to move or act slowly the tired puppy was lagging behind the rest of the pack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lag

2 of 3

adjective

as in final

following all others of the same kind in order or time we're now in the lag end of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lag

3 of 3

noun

as in slowdown

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of lag are dally, dawdle, delay, loiter, and procrastinate. While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.

lagging behind in technology

When might dally be a better fit than lag?

Although the words dally and lag have much in common, dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.

stop dallying and get to work

When is delay a more appropriate choice than lag?

In some situations, the words delay and lag are roughly equivalent. However, delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure).

we cannot delay any longer

How do loiter and dawdle relate to one another, in the sense of lag?

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

In what contexts can procrastinate take the place of lag?

While in some cases nearly identical to lag, 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 lag

Verb

That speed matters in a region where housing construction has lagged population growth for decades. — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 Aug. 2026 Google models now significantly lag rivals on coding agent benchmarks, according to Hill-Smith. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Adjective

However, his skill level and feel lag way behind his athletic indicators. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Get worse over the next few weeks, but that still – that has a lag effect. — CBS News, 4 May 2026

Noun

There's typically a six-week reporting lag between an illness and the case being reported to the CDC. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 That’s partly due to the lag time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms, and the complexity of tracing this particular parasite. — Kate Wells, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag

Verb

Starring Zhou Xun, Wang Xiao and Tian Zhuangzhuang, the film revolves around a middle-aged former TV host whose memory starts to slowly fade, forcing her to confront the fractures within her family and the choices that shaped her life.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
But workers who are rusting out still report to their shifts and perform, although with a fading sense of purpose.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of fade

Verb

An Iranian military official said that Qatar has been delaying a probe into the fate of three pilots, whom Iran says have been held there for months, according to state media.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The opening of the Wynn Al Marjan Island has been delayed to September 2027.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Adjective

Plea negotiations are ongoing between Mangione’s attorneys and federal prosecutors, but sources familiar with the discussions have cautioned that talks remain fluid, and nothing is final until it’s announced in court.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Manchester United held a narrow 3-2 lead from the first leg of this European Cup quarter-final.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of final

Noun

But a material slowdown in its economy would send shock waves around the world, especially among China’s major trading partners, not only in the Asia Pacific but also in countries elsewhere whose economies have become intertwined with China’s.

— Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
The pain at the pump has drawn close attention, but less focus has been paid to a slowdown in wage increases that has coincided with the surge in costs.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of slowdown

Verb

That can lead to structural problems, from drawer fronts pulling off to flimsy drawer bottoms sagging or falling out under the weight of their contents.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
Either of the Serie A strikers would boost the sagging Five Stripes (3-12-3) for the rest of the MLS schedule.

— Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of sag

Verb

As the train gains elevation, dense coastal forest gradually gives way to alpine tundra, glacial lakes, rocky peaks, and, early in the season, lingering snowfields before reaching the White Pass Summit at 2,885 feet.

— Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026
The next chance of showers and storms arrives Thursday and lingers through the end of the workweek as much muggier-feeling weather blows back into Maryland.

— Cutter Martin, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of linger

Adjective

The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
The American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.

— Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023

Definition of latest

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ladyships

lag

laggard

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“Lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lag. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lag

verb

adjective

noun

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