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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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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
-
The slight residual sweetness in Brut styles can also balance any hot sauce or jalapeno toppings, unlike tequila which can amplify the heat.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
This relic radiation, or heat, is known as the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) — a faint, residual glow representing the oldest light humans can observe.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Discover Magazine,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
The immediate or lasting consequences for wildlife in the area have received less attention.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
19 July 2025
-
Take time to ensure that your foundation is strong and adaptable—this will be key to creating lasting connections.—
Emily Reynolds,
Forbes.com,
18 July 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
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Generally, a plant whose roots are poking out will be completely root-bound.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
-
Another sign of creeping fatigue?—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lingering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lingering. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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