as in lingering
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Dissimilar Words
as in delaying
to move or act slowly
don't loiter in this neighborhood after dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of loitering
Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Mackienzy Kahl is facing charges of theft by taking, first-degree burglary, entering an automobile or other motor vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or felony, loitering and prowling, and driving without a valid license.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
With inexpensive first-person-view drones and loitering munitions now responsible for significant armored losses across multiple conflict zones, even limited visual evidence of adaptation carries strategic weight.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
The deal includes eight separate purchases, which cover HIMARS rockets systems, anti-tank missiles, anti-armor missiles, loitering suicide drones, howitzers, military software and parts for other equipment, according to details released by both governments.
—Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
The Chinese answer to these loitering munitions includes the DFX-50 and DFX-100 as well as the ASN-301, FL-300D and LOONG M9.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Some states have strict rules and regulations about loitering in public and private parking lots.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025
Raytheon, for instance, is integrating Shield AI’s software into loitering munitions and working with Anduril on rocket motors.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
There were times when Drew came home from meetings with the city council, the clinic board of trustees, or even a trial and found Jocko loitering around, kicking his Hacky Sack as part of his never-ending fitness program.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
By the end of this eerily melodic, strangely beautiful song about doing nothing, Tyler dreams wistfully of loitering in a parking lot.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for loitering
Adjective
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On the one hand, that means that many survive the disease without serious lingering effects.—
Verb
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Since oxygen is the culprit, the trick to delaying the browning process is to shield the flesh from oxygen exposure.—
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But a weaker-than-expected first quarterly earnings report in September was followed a week later by a testing explosion that destroyed a rocket stage — delaying an upcoming launch — and sent the company’s stock plummeting to about $20.—
Verb
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Now, Letts has brought Coon back to Broadway with the Main Stem debut of his 1996 play Bug, a skin-crawling portrayal of people on the fringes.—
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Here, there's a skin-crawling effect to watching the story unfold onstage.—
Verb
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Tonight, after poking the bear, this bear roared.—
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There are also dual Akrapvoic exhausts poking out the rear, framed by slim taillights.—
Verb
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Kerra, the dog referenced in the video, had developed a grapefruit-sized mass on her breast tissue that was dragging on the ground and causing significant discomfort.—
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That takes nothing away, though, from the epic job Herbert did dragging the Chargers through the second half of the season.—
Adjective
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Philadelphia was again doomed by a lethargic offensive effort that cost it a shot at a repeat championship.—
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More energy and enthusiasm There were too many times in the first few months of the season when this team looked lethargic.—
Verb
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While strolling in New York City, Katie Holmes went for a casual vibe in baggy black jeans with a light jacket and a crossbody bag, while Jennifer Garner's pair had a touch of subtle elegance with gold-tone hardware.—
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Shuter also reported that, in Aspen, the couple were seen shopping together and holding hands while strolling around the ski town.—
Adjective
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In contrast, the north-pole was thought to be geologically inactive.—
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The rest, four of which are now inactive, were in Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, Georgia, Michigan and Indiana.—
Cite this Entry
“Loitering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loitering. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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