lag 1 of 3

lag

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verb

lag

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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
The Roku Plus Series 65-inch TV runs the proprietary Roku OS software and has low input lag, a wide range of colors, a bezel-less look, a bright LED panel, and a Roku Voice Remote Pro that can follow commands without the press of a button. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 June 2025 Its 1,500-plus cells will get around 37 miles (60 km) of range in pure EV mode, not that range is a priority for the Tourbillon ... more like zero engine lag, crazy speed and power, and the most efficient, compact, lightweight design possible for pure performance. New Atlas, 23 June 2025
Verb
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
Noun
Phoenix may lag behind higher elevations in storm activity, but the outlook suggests patience will pay off. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025 Because Johnson shouldered such a responsibility on that end of the floor, there were times when his defense lagged. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lag
Adjective
  • The final component will be a soccer pitch with men’s and women’s locker rooms and stadium seating for about 2,500.
    Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Angela was admitted to the hospital for the final time on March 15.
    Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Sunscreen, chlorine, saltwater, and even rough drying habits can wear down the fabric, leaving colors faded and suits stretched out.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • The spark seemed to fade, then the extra effort went AWOL.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Apple looks to have delayed the release of the new macOS hardware into 2026.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • The flight has since been delayed and is now expected to depart from Sydney at 7:25 a.m.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The seeming slowdown in hate speech monitoring comes as antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault are on the rise in the United States and globally, the Anti-Defamation League reported, with 2024 deemed a peak year for antisemitism.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • Even top producers should expect a slowdown in the first few months.
    Drew Gurley, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Then there’s the reverse extreme: nipple reduction — long, protruding, often sagging nipples that are the consequence of breastfeeding.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
  • The vinyl rain gutter sagged and melted, its plastic material flapping in the wind like a flag, and the window shattered shortly after, letting the flames enter the interior.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • That’s good for everyone, even expat journalists dragging their kids along to cover a new story.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
  • The plucky little superdog drags Superman to the Fortress of Solitude, where he is treated by a posse of robots.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, hesitation or half-measures will send a clear signal to founders and investors that Israel is content to watch from the sidelines.
    Tomer Niv, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Despite starting from a neutral position roughly three yards off his line, John shows no hesitation in extending himself nearly 10 yards to reach the edge of his penalty spot and claim the ball with authority.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lag. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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