Find Synonyms

tardy Synonyms

Another word for tardy

Choosing another word for tardy depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Delaying or delayed beyond the expected or proper time; arriving or occurring late.

Usage Example

"Students who are late to class three times in a semester will receive a detention."

Strongest
late
unpunctual
overdue
Strong
belated
delayed
behindhand

• noun (Context 2)

An instance of arriving late, especially as recorded on a student's school attendance record.

Usage Example

"He had two unexcused absences and three tardies on his report card this quarter."

Strong
tardiness
lateness

• adjective (Context 3)

Moving or acting slowly; sluggish.

Usage Example

"The committee's slow response to the safety audit drew criticism from the board."

Strongest
slow
Strong
sluggish
dilatory
laggard

Opposites of tardy

The opposite of tardy shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

punctual
on time
early
quick
swift
prompt
timely
rapid
See all opposites of tardy

• Nearby Words

tardigrade
tardily
tardiness
tardy
tare
target
targetable

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Tardy. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/tardy
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.