delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure).
we cannot delay any longer
procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy.
procrastinates about making decisions
lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.
lagging behind in technology
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
dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.
stop dallying and get to work
Examples of loiter in a Sentence
Loitering is prohibited outside the theaters.
don't loiter in this neighborhood after dark
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Japan has announced plans to raise a fleet of loitering kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles to counter threats from China (and other regional threats).βπ Image Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026 Complaints included allegations of reckless driving, a cat being run over and vehicles loitering in neighborhoods.βπ Image Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Mar. 2026 People loudly loitering in front of houses.βπ Image Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026 Stella crossed the street and loitered outside the store window displaying haughty mannequins flaunting swagger coats.βπ Image Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loiter
