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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This is something Kang was championing — badass characters who also veg out on the couch without makeup on.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Aug. 2025
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And while humans tend to veg out on the couch, canines typically only watch for short periods.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Verb
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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
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In 2019, city employees began hanging about 500 trick-or-treat pumpkin buckets in the trees on Main Street every October.—
Elliott Harrell,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Over a bite to eat, everybody kicked back and chatted it up a little.—
Jay Glennie,
Rolling Stone,
28 Oct. 2025
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Expect appearances from local brewers, live music, games and food – plus lots of funnily dressed dogs kicking back after their big show.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tee My wardrobe relies on lightweight T-shirts for travel, lounging, and running errands, but the frequent use means these classic pieces tend to wear down quickly.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
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Others swear by their high-rise undies for everyday wear, and then there are those who love the ready-to-wear options most, from off-the-shoulder tops to lounge dresses that can be worn both inside and outside the home.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was bummed out by Tech’s decision.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
24 Oct. 2025
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Democrats’ most visible strategy appears to be trying to bum a few bucks from the grassroots—when the grassroots’ greatest power is in protest, boycott, and other unified mobilization efforts.—
Sarah Stankorb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Coverage decisions ultimately rest not with the White House, but with the states.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
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In the video, the mako shark bursts from the water and lands on the bow of the boat, flopping around before coming to rest near the front of the vessel.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Police had found the 31-year-old’s car still idling.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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The 49ers idled on Tuesday’s trade deadline, but only after dealing a week earlier for defensive lineman Keion White and a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder to New England.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Former President Joe Biden also praised Pelosi, even though their relationship chilled after her role in efforts to pressure him to drop out of the 2024 presidential campaign.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
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Other snapshots included one of Graham chilling in a pink sweatsuit in the backseat of a car, her $1,250 dress and heels in a pile beside her.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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