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 next

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 Waymo robotaxis are getting ready to carry people around San Antonio, but their rollout has drawn concern from some residents who are creeped out by the cars loitering in their neighborhoods. —

Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Feb. 2026 In 2022, state lawmakers decriminalized loitering with the intent to commit prostitution in California. —

Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 Another, more immediate reason is that after 45 years of service, the Stinger is becoming obsolete and increasingly unsuited to a battlefield dominated by loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and drone warfare. —

David Szondy february 08, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026 The crackdown has been unsettling to hospital employees, who said ICE agents have been seen loitering on hospital grounds and asking patients and employees for proof of citizenship. —

Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loiter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loiter

Verb

Early May could bring a brief snag but that doesn’t linger.

— Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Rather than depicting the blast itself, Testament focuses on what lingers.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026

Definition of linger

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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 18 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 18 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of loiter

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