lag 1 of 3

lag

2 of 3

verb

lag

3 of 3

noun

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
Adjective
With Baja mode activated, the twin-turbo V-6 engages the turbochargers' anti-lag function, and there's negligible delay in the power delivery during the quick on/off throttle sequences common to desert running. David Beard, Car and Driver, 20 June 2022 And some more good news for lovers of the distinctive fusillade produced by the original Impreza rally cars: this one keeps anti-lag, injecting fuel into the turbocharger to keep it spinning off-throttle. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 21 June 2022
Verb
However, as Apple inched closer to Apple Intelligence’s public reveal in June 2024, internal tests showed that the chatbot lagged significantly behind ChatGPT, with OpenAI’s product delivering 25% better accuracy. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025 The movie lags here and there as Zephyr’s escape attempts become repetitive. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Noun
Another Democratic operative notes that Hobbs’ favorability lags behind that of Arizona’s two Democratic senators. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025 The lag in this year’s funding, more than $1 billion below the 10-year average, is for new research grants, but the Trump administration has gone further. Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag
Adjective
  • Oklahoma City led by almost 30 at the half and went into the final frame with an 88-62 lead.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • Regardless, the Angels were scoreless entering their final three outs again — Angel Stadium playing home to an offense in need of a pulse check.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • However, the glamour faded soon after the team docked in Manhattan.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • That faded, and Maresca’s task will be maintaining the charge next season.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Boeing’s project has been hampered by stress corrosion cracks on the planes and excessive noise in the cabins from the decompression system, among other issues that have delayed delivery, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last year.
    Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • Last year, the NFL reported a 20,000% increase in unauthorized drone activity over games between 2017 and 2023, some of which delayed games.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The indications of a slowdown in global travel, paired with ongoing economic uncertainty, are resulting in some bargain international and domestic airfares.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • The question rates asking in consideration of the popular belief inside the Fed that economic slowdowns push down prices.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
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 shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the U.S.
    Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • If tariffs are still unresolved by then, small business hiring may continue to sag.
    Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Nintendo is counting on the Switch 2 to boost sagging sales.
    Ayaka Mcgill, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Over the Great Plains, the high-level flow of winds has been pushing the smoke south, and shifting upper-level winds from the west will drag the smoke over the eastern states, according to The Weather Channel.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • The phone call between Trump and Putin came as the war, which has dragged on for nearly 3.5 years, shows no signs of abating despite mounting pressure for a diplomatic breakthrough.
    Nik Popli, Time, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • At the time, there was some hesitation in the industry about partnering with a Chinese drugmaker.
    Kerry A. Dolan, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • However, during the hearing, lobbyists for both the Chiefs and Royals would not commit to staying in Missouri if the plan passed, which could spark hesitation among some senators.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lag. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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