as in residual
still existing or happening after something is completed or removed
The area is still feeling the lingering effects of the hurricane. There are lingering questions about the extent of his involvement in the crime.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in delaying
to move or act slowly
since they were charging by the hour, the house painters lingered in finishing up their work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 lingering
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Don't jump to conclusions about a compromise state budget plan with cuts, taxes and a lingering bit of uncertainty.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2025
From casting backlash and political dustups to a lingering conversation of how to portray the tale's dwarfs in 2025, here's a timeline detailing the Snow White live-action remake's controversies.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Still, if there were any lingering doubts that the nation's economic outlook is murky, Powell seemed determined to squash them flat.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2025
Word out of Durham was pretty positive, but any lingering issues could break the East Region bracket open.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
While there are still many questions lingering about how California will bring its workforce back to primarily in-person work in the coming months, the impact on state workers’ telework stipend is clearly defined.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025
Biden came to power when the country was still reeling with the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic, including elevated unemployment.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The rotation is not the Yankees’ only concern, as their Soto-less lineup already had question marks before Giancarlo Stanton reported to camp with lingering tennis elbows.
—Gary Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
Magical door wash to welcome in the new To create your magic door wash, start with a glass mason jar and cleanse the space above it by ringing a bell in a clockwise motion to clear any lingering energy.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Don't jump to conclusions about a compromise state budget plan with cuts, taxes and a lingering bit of uncertainty.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2025
From casting backlash and political dustups to a lingering conversation of how to portray the tale's dwarfs in 2025, here's a timeline detailing the Snow White live-action remake's controversies.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Still, if there were any lingering doubts that the nation's economic outlook is murky, Powell seemed determined to squash them flat.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2025
Word out of Durham was pretty positive, but any lingering issues could break the East Region bracket open.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
While there are still many questions lingering about how California will bring its workforce back to primarily in-person work in the coming months, the impact on state workers’ telework stipend is clearly defined.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025
Biden came to power when the country was still reeling with the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic, including elevated unemployment.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The rotation is not the Yankees’ only concern, as their Soto-less lineup already had question marks before Giancarlo Stanton reported to camp with lingering tennis elbows.
—Gary Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lingering
Adjective
-
Since no solvents are used, there’s no risk of residual chemicals in the final product.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
12 Apr. 2025
-
If the benefits of the medical device significantly outweigh the residual risks, they are often accepted by regulatory bodies and stakeholders.—
Aishwarya Suresh,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
With sturdy stems for cutting, these blooms stand tall in the garden, providing lasting structure even as flowers fade.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the 90-day tariff pause, damage to the global economic outlook, which drives oil prices, is likely to be more lasting.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
On Wednesday, March 19, the couple filmed an Instagram Reel poking fun at their recent red carpet interview with Extra at the grand re-opening of Planet Hollywood in NYC on Tuesday, March 11.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Roots Growing Out Drainage Holes Roots poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot is a sure sign your plant needs a bigger pot.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Another sign of creeping fatigue?—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
-
Invasive plants also spread quickly in multiple ways, such as by seeds, creeping stems and roots, or fruits eaten by birds and dropped elsewhere.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
5 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lingering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lingering. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share