1
as in slug
a lazy person
the new boss quickly figured out who the do-nothings were and fired them
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bum
an idle worthless person
he indiscriminately dismisses the state legislators as a bunch of do-nothings who live at the taxpayers' expense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of do-nothing
That makes a strong case for the do-nothing vacation, then, which, in the words of The Washington Post, aligns with wellness rather than laziness.
—
Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Today, the Trump administration and a do-nothing Republican Congress are damaging our government, our economy, and our standing in the world.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Instead, Trump should start castigating the do-nothing political elites who betrayed courageous Venezuelan defenders of democracy like López and Machado.
—John Davenport, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty was sentenced today to one year in prison for his role in an elaborate scheme to funnel money to do-nothing subcontractors with ties to then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for Madigan’s influence on legislation in Springfield.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
About a dozen have visited or have plans to make stops in the early primary states, such as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, 60, who in April caught attention for delivering a searing speech in New Hampshire aimed at 'do-nothing' Democrats.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
That would have a power move for the do-nothing Heat. – Michael.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Today, the Trump administration and a do-nothing Republican Congress are damaging our government, our economy, and our standing in the world.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Instead, Trump should start castigating the do-nothing political elites who betrayed courageous Venezuelan defenders of democracy like López and Machado.
—John Davenport, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty was sentenced today to one year in prison for his role in an elaborate scheme to funnel money to do-nothing subcontractors with ties to then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for Madigan’s influence on legislation in Springfield.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
About a dozen have visited or have plans to make stops in the early primary states, such as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, 60, who in April caught attention for delivering a searing speech in New Hampshire aimed at 'do-nothing' Democrats.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
That would have a power move for the do-nothing Heat. – Michael.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for do-nothing
Noun
-
The Padres paired their burgeoning slug with small-ball sensibilities in a 7-2 win that extended their win streak to five games and upped their total to 10.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
-
In dense plantings, marigolds can also attract spider mites, slugs and aphids.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Actress Jodie Foster was just photographed toting the perfect hands-free carryall—sort of like a hybrid, crossbody-bag-meets-bum-bag.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Coach told us to be first one to the ball and to make those 50/50 plays, to do it on a bum ankle but still being able to give it my all and leave everything there for my teammates.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ukrainian drones targeted an industrial facility in Sterlitamak, a Russian city about 1,300 kilometers (roughly 800 miles) east of the border with Ukraine, local authorities said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Sierra says the drone outside her daughter's second-floor bedroom window would be just feet away and wouldn't go to any other part of her home.—
Heath Kalb,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At first, the video feed showed little more than brown mud pockmarked by burrowing worms and snails.—
Jeffrey Marlow,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The main thing to keep an eye out for with lettuce is slugs and snails.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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After a career spent writing paeans to deadbeats and douchebags, of course her take on true love sounds like a horror movie.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Zoey’s deadbeat father, who left her as a baby to become a rock star, does not show up to do any sort of healing.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Antinous later shocked the other suitors by insulting and assaulting with a footstool an elderly beggar who had spoken to him in the palace hall.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Mar. 2026
-
So disguised as a beggar, Odysseus shows up at his palace, and he is not treated very nicely by the suitors who have camped out in his house.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In fact, that hobo-style bag (which Kennedy was often photographed using to shield herself from paparazzi) ushered in a new era of softer and much more versatile handbags for women everywhere.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
27 Mar. 2026
-
On March 19, the 53-year-old actor was spotted filming a new project in New York City wearing a pair of cream suede ankle booties with a bit of a relaxed scrunch that went perfectly with the vibe of her cozy flannel button-down, oversized robe cardigan, and slouchy hobo bag.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Do-nothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/do-nothing. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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