dally
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for dally, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To waste time or delay unnecessarily.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use dally
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dally about
dally with
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman delaier, the same root that gives us "delay."
Full origin of dally →Frequently asked questions
What does “dally” mean?
The word “dally” means to waste time or delay unnecessarily. In plain terms, to waste time, or to flirt casually without serious intent.
How do you pronounce “dally”?
“Dally” is pronounced DA-lee (/ˈdæli/ in IPA).
How do you use “dally” in a sentence?
Here is “dally” used in a sentence: “Stop dallying and get to the point.”
What part of speech is “dally”?
“Dally” is a verb.
Where does the word “dally” come from?
The word “dally” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman delaier, the same root that gives us "delay.".
How many meanings does “dally” have?
“Dally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to waste time or delay unnecessarily.
