Synonyms for
Lingering
Definition
remaining present for a long time; slow to disappear or die
Synonyms & similar words
hover
tarriance
lurk
linger
hangaround
loiter
tarry
millabout
lollygag
millaround
loaf
lallygag
dawdle
messabout
footle
lounge
rush
remaining
persisting
enduring
continuing
prolonged
lasting
staying
loitering
dawdling
delaying
procrastinating
dragging
dillydallying
lingual
linguistic
protracted
extending
stretching
drawn-out
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- lingering scent
- lingering doubt
- lingering effects
- lingering pain
- lingering gaze
- lingering illness
- lingering taste
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe something that remains or persists longer than expected, such as a smell, a feeling, or a doubt. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being slow or reluctant to leave.
Compare "lingering" with another word →
Example sentences
- She was lingering at the park, playing with her friends.
- The lingering feeling of sadness stayed with me all day.
- The aroma of the fresh-baked bread was lingering in the kitchen.
- The flu can cause lingering symptoms.
- He had a lingering cough after his cold.
Quotes
Time has a way of slowly dripping away, a lingering honey that sticks to everything it touches.
The human heart has a way of making itself large again even after it's been broken into a million pieces.
A kiss is a secret told to the mouth instead of the ear; kisses are the messengers of love and tenderness.