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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In May, Stewart was placed on a 20-day suspension by former LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel after failing to follow several protocols related to an incident when an officer under his supervision used excessive force against an unhoused man who was allegedly loitering in a hotel lobby. —

Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 17 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, Russia has improved its reconnaissance drones and fielding large quantities of loitering munitions developed through joint development efforts with other countries. —

Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 In New Zealand, loitering in the car park drop-off zone was the concern, as one airport took the step of introducing a time limit on hugs. —

Cnn, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for loiter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loiter

Verb

These historic areas are now openly accessible, but the legacy of segregation lingers, impacting diversity on L.A.’s beaches today.

— Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
No matter each individual’s previous experience with Shabbat, there was a widespread warmth and engagement with the holiday that lingered between each table.

— Sammi Tapper, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2025