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

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
Martin’s film features a cast which could be the louche descendants of expat bohemians loafing in Saint-​Tropez a century ago. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 16 May 2025 Commenters debated whether certain dog breeds were more prone to loafing and stretching in this way. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
Grease and flour an 8x5-inch loaf pan. Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026 Even the bread basket was a win, with crispy red and black ‘hero’ loaf, served with a delectable red pepper dip. Helen Wright, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Spring cleaning bumming you out?
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Action that doesn't get exhausting, humor that isn't repetitive and drama that won't bum you out, these shows go down easy and keep you hungry for more.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • One rabid mongoose bite later, and Ben is a skull-crushing, face-ripping menace terrorizing Lucy and her friends.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Mendoza will mark the best moment of his life by hugging NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and throwing on the New Era 2026 NFL Draft On Stage Pre-Curved 9FIFTY Snapback Hat in Black and Silver, with a pile of skulls printed on the inside, as seen here.
    Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After beating Atlanta last Friday without Jaylen Brown and Charlotte on Sunday without Brown and Derrick White, Boston flopped in a rematch with the Hawks, losing 112-102 without a crew of contributors headlined by a resting Jayson Tatum.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The project has dragged on for four years, and Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, founder of a farmworker advocacy group called ALAS, said the problem at 555 Kelly rests at the local level.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
    Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
  • White matter, so named because of a pale, fatty substance called myelin that wraps the bundles of nerves, carries information between gray matter areas like highways in the brain.
    Christopher M. Filley, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • So does the bar and lounge Peacock Alley.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Margot has raked in the coin in her successful career, and a simple clean offing of one on whom no love is lost can ensure Tony will enjoy years of lounging with lots of savory bourbon by his side.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How could all their passion and intellect be allowed to go to waste?
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Focusing on Young’s addiction feels reductive, especially when her catalog is filled with humor and intellect and skill.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 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
  • At their best, then, prediction markets aggregate collective intelligence to weigh the likelihood of future events.
    Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Pixel 9a brings Google's flagship intelligence to a more accessible price point without compromising on durability or features.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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