DELAY Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'delay' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of delay are dally , dawdle , lag , loiter , and procrastinate . While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure). // we cannot delay any longer

Q: Where would 'dally' be a reasonable alternative to 'delay'?

The words dally and delay can be used in similar contexts, but dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary. // stop dallying and get to work

Q: When can 'lag' be used instead of 'delay'?

In some situations, the words lag and delay are roughly equivalent. However, lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others. // lagging behind in technology

Q: How do 'loiter' and 'dawdle' relate to one another, in the sense of 'delay'?

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

Q: When is 'procrastinate' a more appropriate choice than 'delay'?

The synonyms procrastinate and delay are sometimes interchangeable, but procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy. // procrastinates about making decisions

delay 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈlā

Definition of delay next

as in wait

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business there was a delay for our boarding while the airplane unloaded incoming passengers

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Relevance

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delay

2 of 2

verb

as in to linger

to move or act slowly she ordered the kids to stop delaying and to get to bed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time our guests delayed their departure until after dinner

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word delay different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of delay are dally, dawdle, lag, loiter, and procrastinate. While all these words mean "to move or act slowly so as to fall behind," delay usually implies a putting off of something (such as a beginning or departure).

we cannot delay any longer

Where would dally be a reasonable alternative to delay?

The words dally and delay can be used in similar contexts, but dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary.

stop dallying and get to work

When can lag be used instead of delay?

In some situations, the words lag and delay are roughly equivalent. However, lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others.

lagging behind in technology

How do loiter and dawdle relate to one another, in the sense of delay?

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

When is procrastinate a more appropriate choice than delay?

The synonyms procrastinate and delay are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 delay

Noun

Follow evacuation instructions without delay. —

Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026 The company must now reckon with the loss of one of its few New Glenn rockets, the destruction of its only operational launch pad for those rockets, and what could be months or years of investigation and delays before the booster can return to flight. —

Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 May 2026

Verb

Maserati has put its plans for an electric version of the MC20 on hold, citign weak demand, Ferrari has delayed its plans, and despite having Mate Rimac as its CEO, Bugatti has opted for a hybrid system in its incredible Tourbillon. —

James Morris, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 Earlier, the Starship V3 launch was scrubbed at T-40 seconds due to a hydraulic pin failure and ground system issues, delaying its first test flight. —

Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for delay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delay

Noun

As the sun began to set and the celebrations abated, Bukayo Saka emerged from the dressing room with the trophy, striding out onto the field for one final photocall — Arsenal’s longest serving player, who has endured the longest wait, took the opportunity to savour the moment.

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026
More people are flying this year than last Memorial Day, per AAA, which could mean longer lines and further waits at some airports.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 25 May 2026

Definition of wait

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dekes

delay

delayed

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“Delay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delay. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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verb

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