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
-
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
-
The latest season wrapped with Emily deciding to either kick back in Rome with her Italian boyfriend or return to life in Paris.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Oil prices have been swinging through sharp and sudden reversals for weeks with hopes rising and falling for the Strait of Hormuz to fully reopen and allow production of oil and natural gas to kick back into gear.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts are versatile enough for working out, traveling, running errands, or just lounging at home, and the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry and comfortable.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Apr. 2026
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Both pieces are made from 100-percent European linen and have a loose, relaxed fit that’s ideal for casual outings and lounging around the house.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Spring cleaning bumming you out?—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
In Monday’s goalless draw with West Ham United, he was handed his third consecutive Premier League start as Ismaila Sarr was rested.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Amenities and experiences Most of my afternoons were spent idling at the heated infinity pool, glass of African wine in hand, overlooking the crater.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Apr. 2026
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But Stanley said the effort was entirely consistent with Patagonia's results-first philosophy — because Walmart is so huge, convincing it to do something as simple as not idling its delivery trucks while they are unloaded has a significant environmental benefit.—
Tony Biasotti,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Once chilled, top with berries and garnishes as desired.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
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The committee is considering changes to the law, which many in the real estate industry believe has chilled development in the city.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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