loitering 1 of 2

loitering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of loiter

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 loitering
Verb
In light of modern threat scenarios—particularly the widespread use of drones and loitering munitions—the Skyranger closes a critical capability gap for Western armed forces. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026 On one particular muggy day, there had been only a few young men loitering outside before their swim. Literary Hub, 3 June 2026 The goal is to reduce crime and loitering at stations through this initiative. City News Service, Daily News, 29 May 2026 Mike MacLennan’s idea of market research as the CEO of a drive-thru AI company is loitering at Burger King. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 26 May 2026 Fans loitering just outside the barricade started to sense something was changing. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 20 May 2026 This year’s flights encircle the country and include loitering patterns, those in 2025 appear to just pass by, Ian Petchenik of Flightradrar24 told USA TODAY. Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 15 May 2026 Russia soon augmented its capabilities by acquiring Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 loitering munitions from Iran. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 Daisy doesn’t have to spend too much time loitering in downtown Toronto before Gilead makes its move. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loitering
Adjective
  • Thomas missed 57 games last season, mostly because of the same lingering left hamstring issue.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • On the one hand, that means that many survive the disease without serious lingering effects.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • While delaying benefits is typically optimal, a hypothetical 22% cut by 2033 significantly shifts optimal claiming ages for many single individuals, potentially encouraging earlier filing, but often not for married couples.
    Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Some workers were granted exemptions, and a handful of departments were delaying implementation of the governor’s mandate.
    Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Signs of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting and drooling, being weak or lethargic, bright red gums and bloodshot eyes.
    Renee Anderson, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator Always contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the turtle appears injured, such as having a cracked shell, or seems lethargic or sick.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The Germans were crawling as far as the street, dashing across the asphalt, then leaping into the second trench.
    Vasily Grossman, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • Jude Cornell joined a swarm of toddlers crawling after soccer balls, tossing training cones into the air and relocating a goalie net that was proving to be very, very portable.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Uvalde County also reported its first case, bringing the total number of Texas cases to 28, with 22 active and 6 inactive.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • It is stored in an inactive form in cells such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and immune system—acting as the body’s reserve bank, indicating how much iron is available for future use.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Calderón, a big, bald man wearing a gold chain and cross-shaped earrings, sat off to the side, amid an entourage of muscular assistants in polo shirts, poking at his phone.
    Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • If their edges are poking out from your ice sphere, your ice will melt and break apart faster.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Originally supposed to fly Sierra Space Dream Chaser test flight, but payload switched to an inert mass simulator because of potential Dream Chaser delays beyond October launch date.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • And to relegate yourself to that inert position so much does, at some level, inspire a certain helplessness in you.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Compounding concerns, California officials say the Department of Transportation is dragging its feet.
    Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 1 July 2026
  • One small habit that has helped me tremendously is dragging important emails directly into my calendar.
    Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loitering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loitering. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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