loaf 1 of 2

Definition of loafnext

loaf

2 of 2

noun

British slang

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb loaf differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of loaf are idle, laze, loll, and lounge. While all these words mean "to spend time doing nothing," loaf suggests either resting or wandering about as though there were nothing to do.

she does her work and then loafs the rest of the day

When is idle a more appropriate choice than loaf?

The words idle and loaf can be used in similar contexts, but idle may be used in reference to persons that move lazily or without purpose.

idled the day away

Where would laze be a reasonable alternative to loaf?

Although the words laze and loaf have much in common, laze usually implies the relaxation of a busy person enjoying a vacation or moments of leisure.

lazed about between appointments

When can loll be used instead of loaf?

The words loll and loaf are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loll also carries an implication of a posture similar to that of lounge, but places greater stress upon an indolent or relaxed attitude.

lolling on the couch

When could lounge be used to replace loaf?

The meanings of lounge and loaf largely overlap; however, lounge, though occasionally used as equal to idle or loaf, typically conveys an additional implication of resting or reclining against a support or of physical comfort and ease in relaxation.

he lounged against the wall

Example Sentences

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 loaf
Verb
Within a few moments, an antlerless deer emerged, loafing along toward Ronnie, completely unalarmed. Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025 She is seen going over the shots planned for the next day and remembering that some loafing around is planned. Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
Does refrigerating help or hurt the freshness of your homemade or store-bought loaf? Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2026 Together, the couple makes gluten free sourdough loaves, baguettes and banana bread along with other pastries like cookies and donuts. Mars King, Twin Cities, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Some were drawn first to the language and its interna ideo, only to later realize the travel benefits involved; others had learned the language specifically to bum around.
    Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • That means, as some critics of the ban have pointed out, that 18-year-olds will almost certainly bum cigarettes from older friends—the same way younger teens have acquired them since time immemorial.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Another unexpected find at the site was a partial skull belonging to a previously unknown species, which the scientists named Pterocetus diamantinae.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
  • But the most interesting finding was several straight, parallel striations inside the skull, indicating the brain matter had been methodically scraped out with a sharp instrument shortly after death.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The squad is resting at the hotel.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • Part of that is because their resting heart rate is 12 years old.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The researchers measured the participants’ vitamin C levels using blood samples and performed MRI scans to calculate the volume of gray matter and white matter in their brains.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • Results showed that participants with higher plasma vitamin C levels tended to have more gray matter volume and more connectivity in their default mode network than peers who had less vitamin C circulating in their blood.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Thanks to its large construction capacity to hold up to 600 pounds and balance-spreader bar designed for stability, multiple people can lounge in the hammock at once.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
  • The large private compound boasts a gym, a spa, a theater, a pool, a large terrace for lounging and barbecuing, and a personal-size soccer field.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The gulf between their two worlds is wide, and Jude straddles it with wide-ranging intellect and his characteristic impish wit, while also telling a surprisingly heartfelt story about the lengths to which a mother will go for love.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
  • The main aim, however, was not to improve the intellect but to live in imitation of Christ.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Just take care of your[self], and veg out.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
  • This set is damn near professional-wear, with a blazer-style top and contrast piping for those who like to veg out with dignity.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • If intelligence compounds as Nadella predicts, this time there will be a real first-mover advantage that didn’t exist in the internet era.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
  • Examples could include processing Earth observation data from satellites, military or intelligence data processing, scientific computing related to space missions, or specialized computing for satellites and other space assets.
    Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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