as in delaying
to move or act slowly
don't loiter in this neighborhood after dark
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lingering
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Recent Examples of loitering
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Mar. 2025
Hopkins, whose ward includes that block, told the Tribune a crowd of around 50 teens was loitering in the movie theater’s lobby before the shots rang out.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
When these are converted into one-way attack drones, also known as loitering munitions, the result is a seriously expansive single-use item.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
For reasons unknown — maybe the lil’ guy was cursed by a Roma traveler, or became possessed by malevolent spirits previously loitering in a fancy Colorado hotel, or simply hung out too long with an evil clown who lives in the sewer — the automaton’s musical chops causes mayhem and carnage.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2025
The mayor’s representatives at Monday’s meeting said many of the migrants have permits to work and will not be loitering around the facility.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025
Rarer still were his family members loitering with the entourage.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
The canine was captured loitering behind a kitchen counter while holding a pair of scissors in their mouth.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
On that June arrest report, obtained by The Herald, police explained the trespass arrest, saying that Sampson was arrested for loitering outside the store when in fact the video, which has a date and time stamp, clearly shows him being handcuffed and arrested inside the store.
—Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
While the ZigZag’s exact range, payload, and loitering capacity remain undisclosed, its design reflects the growing sophistication of Ukrainian drone technology.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Mar. 2025
Hopkins, whose ward includes that block, told the Tribune a crowd of around 50 teens was loitering in the movie theater’s lobby before the shots rang out.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
When these are converted into one-way attack drones, also known as loitering munitions, the result is a seriously expansive single-use item.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
For reasons unknown — maybe the lil’ guy was cursed by a Roma traveler, or became possessed by malevolent spirits previously loitering in a fancy Colorado hotel, or simply hung out too long with an evil clown who lives in the sewer — the automaton’s musical chops causes mayhem and carnage.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2025
The mayor’s representatives at Monday’s meeting said many of the migrants have permits to work and will not be loitering around the facility.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025
Rarer still were his family members loitering with the entourage.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
The canine was captured loitering behind a kitchen counter while holding a pair of scissors in their mouth.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
On that June arrest report, obtained by The Herald, police explained the trespass arrest, saying that Sampson was arrested for loitering outside the store when in fact the video, which has a date and time stamp, clearly shows him being handcuffed and arrested inside the store.
—Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loitering
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
Verb
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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
-
Generally, a plant whose roots are poking out will be completely root-bound.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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So far, in 2025, crypto companies (and companies investing in crypto) are proving to be the most resilient and adaptable players in an otherwise lethargic public market.—
Christopher Perkins,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
When McCaughan got ahead in the count 0-2, a crowd largely quieted by a lethargic Twins offense got loud enough for the pitcher to notice.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But phone data indicates her device was inactive starting around 9:23 p.m. that night, Young said.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
8 July 2025
-
Aim for the hole and spray into the nest during the evening when the wasps are inactive and aren’t out foraging.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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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,
2 July 2025
-
The anguish lacing through the satire-obsessed ’90s burns like a hangover, at the same time mocking and cherishing the inert residue of hope that history might keep moving forward.—
Alice Bolin
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loitering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loitering. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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