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
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Recent Examples of do-nothing
Is Jack a do-nothing philanderer while Shyanne desperately tries to preserve their five-year romance, or is the truth more complicated than that?
—
Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
The commission made the right call to delay implementation of Gavin’s do-nothing laws.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 6 May 2026
Finally, upgrade your couch-rot-and-do-nothing sessions with the TCL 75-inch Class Q6 smart TV, and save 22%.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 5 May 2026
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
Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
The commission made the right call to delay implementation of Gavin’s do-nothing laws.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 6 May 2026
Finally, upgrade your couch-rot-and-do-nothing sessions with the TCL 75-inch Class Q6 smart TV, and save 22%.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 5 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for do-nothing
Noun
-
Hubbard squash, dill, and nasturtiums deter squash bugs, borers, and slugs while attracting pollinators.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
-
But Guerrero’s inconsistent slug sparks the same conversation each spring.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
A lot of these babies have bum agents that lowball them.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
-
History buffs, avid hikers, music lovers, wine aficionados, and beach bums will all find a town to love in the Old Dominion.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Russia’s largest airport — Moscow’s Sheremetyevo — reported that drone debris had fallen on its grounds without causing damage or affecting flights.—
Samya Kullab,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
-
Russia's largest airport — Moscow's Sheremetyevo — said that drone debris had fallen on its grounds without causing damage or affecting flights.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
About 20 races took place at Folsom City Lions Park, with up to nine snails per heat climbing one-foot poles; Mayor Justin Raithel motivated his snail with lettuce and made the semifinals before finishing fourth.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
11 May 2026
-
And cyclists, bus drivers, walkers and the motoring public need to have a head on a swivel paired with the calmness of a snail around such intersections — a lot could be going on.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Housing prices and rents are inflated by restrictive zoning laws, union work and pay scale mandates, excessive building codes and environmental requirements, litigation and planning process delays, anti-landlord policies that favor deadbeats and squatters, and the list goes on.—
Adam B. Summers,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Housing prices and rents are inflated by restrictive zoning laws, union work and pay scale mandates, excessive building codes and environmental requirements, litigation and planning process delays, anti-landlord policies that favor deadbeats and squatters, and the list goes on.—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Gobert was chief among the beggars imploring his teammates for a shred of consistency on that end of the floor.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Whether it’s used as an everyday bag or a supplement to your airport lineup, this versatile hobo bag seamlessly adapts to any occasion.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
-
Brown accessories are mainstays for the supermodel—soft loafers, a hobo bag, belt, and sunglasses, all in a chocolate tone, offer those finishing touches that never lose their urban appeal.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Do-nothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/do-nothing. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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