1
as in dormant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
the car was idle for two weeks while they went on vacation the company's competitors have not been idle in developing rival products
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lazy
not easily aroused to action or work
an idle employee who always seems to be either on break or at lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to lazy
to spend time doing nothing
she likes to idle during the summer and recharge herself for the fall semester we idled away the evening relaxing around the campfire
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idle
Avi Weiss, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025
Think Only Murders in the Building, only set in a British retirement home, as the comic crime caper based on the book by Richard Osman introduces senior crime busters not content to just play bridge or engage in idle gossip for leisure.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
Do not idle your vehicle, exhaust contributes to air pollution.
—Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Adjective
Much of that aid lies idle, as my grandson Eitan Fischberger, who was embedded on the scene, noted in The Wall Street Journal.
—Avi Weiss, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025
Think Only Murders in the Building, only set in a British retirement home, as the comic crime caper based on the book by Richard Osman introduces senior crime busters not content to just play bridge or engage in idle gossip for leisure.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
Trainer John Shirreffs said Beyond Brilliant has been idled for more than 2½ years after suffering a torn tendon.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
Do not idle your vehicle, exhaust contributes to air pollution.
—Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idle
Adjective
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The drought put brush and other vegetation in the area into dormant, winter-like states, fire behavior analyst Kevin Thompson said during the Monday night meeting.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
12 Aug. 2025
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What should be a tender, feminist-minded story centered on a young woman rediscovering her dormant childhood dreamer turns into a middling melodrama about being with a cute guy in desperate need of her rescue.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In water, adults enjoy Aurora’s partnership with SCUBA SHACK, Anguilla’s only PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, while kids find their heaven at the massive waterpark, complete with slides and a lazy river.—
Baz Dreisinger,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Nearby, Splash Resort draws families and retirees alike with spacious, beachfront units and kid-friendly perks like an indoor water park, a lazy river, and a dive-in movie theater.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As a fan, I can get bummed out when there’s a huge gap between seasons.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Sandler, because of that punim of his, is good at playing bummed, but this scene demanded more shading — anger, charm, cockiness.—
Jesse David Fox,
Vulture,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Interim manager Ray Montgomery agreed that plan made sense, despite the recent number of off days.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
12 Aug. 2025
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The game was suspended due to rain in the first inning and then completed the following afternoon, which was supposed to be an off day.—
John Perrotto,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Manicured gardens and a dreamy courtyard across 10 acres make the perfect backdrop for croquet and lounging by the estate pool, while rooms feature Juliette balconies, terraces, bold wallpapers, and heirloom furniture.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Aug. 2025
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In other images from the set, Kidman posed alongside her sister, natural curls still intact and lounged on a bench wearing a blue and white striped button-down top and white pants, with her natural curls hanging off the side of the bench.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The South First Street project would bring different housing options and retail space to a largely vacant site, said Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, whose district includes the area.—
Tom Daykin,
jsonline.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Perri did wear No 12, which is vacant, at Botafogo in the past.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As Elordi rests his head on Isaac’s shoulder to re-create their complicated on-screen bond, Layla receives belly rubs from members of our crew.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
20 Aug. 2025
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When your morning brew is too hot, your chapter gets interrupted, or the remote needs a home, the best end tables ensure that there’s a nearby place to rest whatever may be filling your hands.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This means the likes of Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, and Patrick Roberts have turned from mainstays to unused subs on Saturday, but there remains a place for the old guard to underpin the ambition.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
17 Aug. 2025
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Acura has recently begun reviving old, unused nameplates, starting with the Integra.—
Sam Abuelsamid,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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