1
as in slugs
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 bums
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for do-nothings
Noun
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Providing ample shade and maintaining healthy soil can help prevent issues, including occasional damage from slugs and snails, root rot, and powdery mildew.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Feb. 2026 -
Its gritty texture helps repel pests like slugs and snails from your garden.—
Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano,
The Spruce,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In later years, the shearling coat in its more Western iteration became a fashion statement beloved by hippies and boho ski bums, and was notably worn with great aplomb by Robert Redford in the 1969 classic Downhill Racer.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
12 Jan. 2026
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The level of luxury she’s introduced with Barracuda is a stark contrast to the humbler quarters generally associated with backpackers and itinerant surf bums, which still make up the majority of Itacaré’s lodging options.—
David Amsden,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Nozzle gives Chinese drones a new agility boost Rather than using bulky, mechanically complex actuators, the new thrust system delivers improved maneuverability through a lightweight aerodynamic nozzle that contains no moving parts.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Feb. 2026
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They’ll be supported by an untold number of surveillance cameras, drones and real-time technological hubs aimed at keeping attendees safe.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Pest Control with Cardboard Slugs and snails are drawn to cool, damp cardboard.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
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Some common pests that may affect your orchid include weevils, sowbugs, springtails, snails, scale, thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the old days beggars were drawn and quartered in that square.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
In Havana, beggars are ubiquitous.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The former, in which Burnett and Hamilton did a song-and-dance routine as Dust Bowl-era hobos, marked the first of several times that the two performed together.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
-
From oversized, slouchy hobos to structured East-West silhouettes and laptop-ready work totes, this season’s best suede bags deliver a luxurious polish that will elevate every fall wardrobe.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As the story begins, Mary and Boo are neighbors, unemployed millennial layabouts who rarely leave their rooms.—
Katie Rife,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2026
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Not surprisingly, some colonists preferred to be layabouts.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
27 Nov. 2025
Noun
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On a recent walk around Manhattan, for instance, Hadid paired blue jeans with a raw, fraying hem with classic loafers, a perfect combination of hippie and preppy.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
10 Feb. 2026
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Add sneakers or loafers and you’re set.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Do-nothings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/do-nothings. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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