FOOT-DRAGGING Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

foot-dragging

noun

Definition of foot-dragging

as in delay

failure to do something quickly because you do not want to do it bureaucrats criticized for foot-dragging on important issues

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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 foot-dragging Even the most dependent of the United States’ allies have mastered the arts of foot-dragging, leash-slipping, and lobbying Washington. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly. — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 There is a famed story about Campos, eyeing the boys foot-dragging, taking them out back and teaching them how to march. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026 While progress has been made, the bloc is still impeded by both energy needs and foot-dragging member states. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Nov. 2025 One reason for the foot-dragging is that the power with Japan’s patriarchy is strong. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foot-dragging

delay

Noun

The watchdog warned that shipyard delays are expected to keep more submarines idle through 2030, creating additional costs and reducing the fleet’s operational capacity.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Due to high traffic, the website is experiencing some technical delays.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

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foot

foot-dragging

foot-draggings

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“Foot-dragging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foot-dragging. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of foot-dragging

noun

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