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
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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
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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
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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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Studies have shown how lead particles that fell to the ground were kicked back up into the air again where people could inhale them, along with other contaminants.—
Armin Sorooshian,
The Conversation,
16 Mar. 2026
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Cammeray All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Sofa with Cushion The anchor for most outdoor spaces is a welcoming sofa, and the streamlined Cammeray offers a comfortable place to kick back and relax without looking too heavy or bulky for a patio or garden.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Sundays Movie Night is among one of the very best for long hours of lounging.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
20 Mar. 2026
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There’s plenty of space for guests to lounge about, too, on a sprawling aft sunpad.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Critical thinking really bums them out.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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Then Jason and Thor shower together, each lathering the other’s back and bums up with fewer orgasms than an old Herbal Essences commercial.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Treatment refusal rests on the inherent right of self-determination and does not depend on how the Constitution is interpreted.—
Robert S. Olick,
The Conversation,
23 Mar. 2026
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In some sea caves, harbor seals rest in the quiet shade.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This shuts off the engine at stoplights or when idling, and restarts it once the accelerator is pressed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
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There are currently about 400 oil and product tankers idle in the Gulf, and one oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz without incident on Monday, according to data from the website MarineTraffic.—
Jon Gambrell,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Helium is typically chilled by Qatar's gas company into liquid form and stored in insulated containers for transport through the Strait of Hormuz.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Trump’s snap decisions on tariff rates have also chilled companies’ long-term investment and hiring plans.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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