LOITER Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

loiter

verb

ˈlȯi-tər

Definition of loiter

as in to linger

to move or act slowly don't loiter in this neighborhood after dark

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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 The rocket body has been loitering lazily high above Earth for more than 18 months. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The flies also spent far more time loitering outside the plume than inside it, even though nearly all their forward progress toward the source happened during those brief dips into the scent. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026 There’s just a better version lurking inside, one that could’ve elevated the action-chase genre instead of merely loitering there. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026 But years drag on with no news of the king’s whereabouts, and more than 100 suitors loiter in his palace day in and day out, vying to woo Penelope and take the throne. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loiter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loiter

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

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

Verb

The six-legged hopper, which, at each landing site, will crawl to material undisturbed by its rocket plume, also carries a drill to look for water ice.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
Trying to crawl her way towards a spot between her shoulder blades.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of crawl

Verb

Pleitez would later tell police she was being confronted by Ahumada and others, who were assaulting her 20-year-old companion and attempting to drag him from the car.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
An agreement could provide momentum for talks to renew the USMCA North American trade pact; US-Mexico talks have dragged on, and the White House has publicly opposed renewing the transcontinental deal.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of drag

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logy

loiter

loitered

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“Loiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loiter. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of loiter

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