FOOTLE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

footle

verb

ˈfü-tᵊl

Definition of footle

as in to veg out

to spend time doing nothing spent the morning footling about while others were working

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of footle Last year an American startup called Swarm Technologies paid a footling $900,000 fine for sending four tiny satellites into orbit on an Indian rocket, having been denied permission to do so by the US Federal Communications Commission. — The Economist, 17 July 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for footle

Verb

This is really a spot to escape for the weekend with your boo, or a couple of close friends who just want to veg out and drink and enjoy the scenery.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Just take care of your[self], and veg out.

— Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026

Definition of veg out

Verb

President James Garfield’s assassin, Charles Guiteau, died by hanging about five months after he was convicted of murder.

— USA Today, USA Today, 17 June 2026
On Monday, May 18, a 7%-illuminated crescent will hang about two degrees from Venus, with Jupiter about 20 degrees above.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 May 2026

Definition of hang about

Verb

Vikings right tackle Brian O'Neill and left guard Donovan Jackson immediately turned toward the sideline to motion for the medical team, with Murray lying on his side and his legs kicking back and forth.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026
In one such report, a single tear-gas cannister kicked back was recorded as forty-four assaults.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of kick back

Verb

At the event, some rugs were laid out on the grass in lieu of picnic blankets for guests to lounge on while nibbling on light bites; others were suspended from metal frames like tapestries.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026
My daughter, who is 13, preferred to soak up the sun, lounging by the water’s edge.

— Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of lounge

Verb

The joy Lisa has with her RHUGT cast compared with the dread her RHOSLC cast seems to bring her really bums me out — especially because of how much of this trip is championing the sisterhood of Housewives.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
My conversation partner returned, somehow unable to bum even a single cigarette from anyone at this party.

— Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026

Definition of bum

Verb

If a task keeps looping, write it down and let your body rest without guilt.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
Developing pitchers is an existential concern for the Brewers, who had to replace Peralta and cannot rest on unearthing a surprising contributor like Priester once every couple of years.

— Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of rest

Verb

Working with Nic was like driving a Lamborghini that could shift from unbreakable speed to idling like a purring lioness.

— Griffin Dunne, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026
The Brampton Assembly Plant, which was previously slated to build the Jeep Compass before Stellantis moved the product out of Canada in 2025 to avoid tariffs, has been idled since 2023.

— Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of idle

Verb

Andrew took the opportunity to relax, laying down on the sofa in the living area.

— Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Clean, relax and play with this calming bubble bath made from a nontoxic, hypoallergenic and tear-free solution that has been formulated without parabens, sulfates or fragrance.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of relax

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foot (it)

footle

footled

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“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of footle

verb

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