loaf 1 of 2

loaf

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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
Some are couch-potato cancers, mostly just loafing around. Maya Singer, Vogue, 23 July 2024 Matthes, an ecologist who works with Friends of the Koala, grew up naming the koalas that loafed around in her backyard. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 June 2024
Noun
Firmly press beef mixture into prepared loaf pan; invert pan onto prepared baking sheet to release meatloaf. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 For example, a container made for holding a whole loaf of bread will probably not be practical for also holding a half cup of tomato sauce. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Everyone — from those actually paying to the ones still bumming a log-in — wants to know how Netflix and other streaming services’ crackdowns on password sharing affect them.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 May 2025
  • Fans who hoped to see them on the red carpet at last week’s Met Gala were bummed.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a disorder involving an excess of CSF that elevates pressure inside the skull and compresses the brain.
    Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
  • Unexpectedly, the tire shattered and debris flew into the teen’s right eye and skull, according to WGBA.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • In the first chapter, blue morning light rests over waves crashing against a shoreline, and off into the distance, Yates rides a jet ski, almost comically unbothered by the chop of the sea.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
  • The art of resting is one that entrepreneurs often think is beneath them.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Prior research has indicated caffeine consumption may be associated with acute reductions in gray matter volume.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025
  • One particular question the researchers wanted to answer was whether the influence of caffeine on gray matter was a result of the drug’s effect on sleep, as it has been shown that sleep deprivation or disruption can lead to acute reductions in gray matter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The corridor was branded as the 16th Street Mall and designed to compete with suburban development, a place to shop, dine, lounge around or walk to work.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
  • The boat staff is congenial and knowledgeable, so don’t hesitate to ask it about island history or to take a picture of you and your crew lounging on the deck.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • A lot of Isaacman's intellect and thought on these issues was evident in the podcast.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025
  • Yet for all her academic rigor and philanthropic reach, Emily was not above the language of adornment—jewels that, like her, balanced intellect, elegance, and restraint.
    Annie Davidson, Robb Report, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • And while humans tend to veg out on the couch, canines typically only watch for short periods.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Making the choice to be social is especially difficult at the end of an exhausting day when your impulse may be to veg out on the couch.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • Chinese companies are mandated by law to assist China's intelligence agencies when needed.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
  • Unethical competitive intelligence is, unfortunately, usually par for the course in the software industry.
    Chris Mele, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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