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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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
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The hot air just hangs about, causing the dish to cook unevenly with some spots nearly raw and others burnt.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There’s nothing wrong with spending your vacation at the beach, on a shopping spree in Paris or New York, or kicking back at a fishing cabin.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Still, Don’t Be Dumb is a kinetic Venn Diagram for classic ASAP Rocky and the new father who’d rather kick back with his kids than be at a rave with Skrillex.—
Peter A. Berry,
Variety,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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They can easily be transitioned from lounging at home to a street-ready outfit or casual traveling, as the stripes can be mixed and matched with a wide range of tops like blazers, denim jackets, and simple tees—all without looking sloppy.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
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This chair makes an ideal lounging spot for reading or watching television, thanks to its supportive foam construction.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, bummed out about the passing of Raul Malo, lead singer of The Mavericks.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
9 Dec. 2025
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Headed to the mountains for the holidays and bummed about the slow progression of the snowpack?—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Letting cookie dough rest is one of the hardest parts of making cookies.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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That’s why investing in a plush, comfortable duvet insert or comforter is essential for creating a cozy oasis to start the new year off well-rested.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Later, the women were in a idling vehicle when Brown allegedly left his Jeep, walked toward them and fired at the car, court records show.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
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David McNew / Getty Images Marquez helped convert Pasadena's fire fleet to renewable diesel fuel so that his crews wouldn't keep breathing in the emissions from idling trucks.—
Kara Finnstrom,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Carefully add the liquids and stir for about 10 seconds to combine and begin to chill.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
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Adding a splash of ice water and chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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