as in to veg out
to spend time doing nothing
spent the morning footling about while others were working
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Recent Examples of footle
Get our daily newsletter Yet Mr Schwarzman avoids footling with life’s foot-soldiers for a reason.
—
The Economist, 19 Sep. 2019
The Economist, 19 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for footle
Verb
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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
Verb
-
Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area.—
Kristin Braswell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The resort also has adult-only areas for parents to kick back at, while the kids hang out at the dedicated kids' and teen club.—
Megan duBois,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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Want to kick back and relax in style this summer?—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Activities on the sprawling estate span from the active (horseback riding, hiking, kayaking) to the restful (lounging by the large pool overlooking the mountains).—
Rebekah Peppler,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
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Photos of the pair lounging at the pool of an exclusive Arizona hotel were published at the time, followed by Russini and Vrabel’s swift denials of anything untoward.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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On March 17, a video obtained by TMZ showed LaBeouf in a hotel lobby in Rome, Italy, wearing only his underwear and trying to bum a light for a cigarette.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
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Spring cleaning bumming you out?—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Flop down in your favorite blue armchair, rest a hand behind your head, and settle into a new week of Atlantic Trivia.—
Drew Goins,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
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After resting Monday, the Padres will visit the feisty Milwaukee Brewers for a three-game series.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The bus idled in a parking lot while the driver, Evan Prothero, and the choir director deliberated.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
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During air quality advisories, Derf recommends people avoid idling in a drive-thru for too long or mowing during air quality advisories because that could increase emissions.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and chill at least 45 minutes and up to 12 hours.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 May 2026
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The spiral of menace is breathtaking as Gary continues to dig them in deeper with his misplaced confidence and reckless moves, and a bone-chilling warning left in the dead of night forces Irwin to bring Hester up to date.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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