Synonyms for

Dragging

Verb / ˈdrægɪŋ / Another word for dragging — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Moving something along a surface while exerting force.

Synonyms & similar words

haul hale hangback getbehind drag trail cart draw dropbehind dragon sweepup dredge sweep dropback tangle dragout scuff puff embroil dragin pulling towing hauling lugging drawing yanking tugging heaving transporting carrying hitching shlepping trailing slowing delaying procrastinating dawdling lingering loitering lumbering

Synonyms by register

Formal

pulling hauling towing conveying

Informal

shlepping tugging lugging toting

Literary

trailing drawing

Antonyms

advancing speeding hurrying accelerating propelling rushing

Common collocations

  • dragging one's feet
  • dragging it out
  • dragging along
  • dragging down
  • dragging through
  • dragging the chain
  • dragging the anchor

Word family

noun drag
verb drag
adjective dragging

Usage note

The phrase 'dragging one's feet' implies reluctance or delay. 'Dragging' can also describe a slow, tedious pace, often with a negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. She was dragging her suitcase behind her as she made her way to the hotel.
  2. The car was dragging a chain on the road.
  3. He was dragging his feet and not keeping up with the rest of the group.
  4. The boat was dragging an anchor along the bottom of the river.

Quotes

  • 'Life is a journey and if you're dragging your feet, you must be going uphill.' - Jonny Lang
  • 'It's hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake him off.' - Florence Welch
  • 'I have a little bit of a tendency to get dragged into drama if it's a good script.' - Jennifer Aniston

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