as in to veg out
to spend time doing nothing
spent the morning footling about while others were working
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Example Sentences
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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
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
The Economist, 19 Sep. 2019
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
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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
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Making the choice to be social is especially difficult at the end of an exhausting day when your impulse may be to veg out on the couch.—
Allie Volpe,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
Verb
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Most asteroids hang about in the Mars to Jupiter region, and the ones near Earth obviously hang about a bit closer.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
2 Oct. 2024
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Most asteroids hang about in the Mars to Jupiter region, and the ones near Earth obviously hang about a bit closer.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
2 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Here, several distinct sitting areas seem ideal for kicking back with some wine—the entire growing process visible from just beyond the rim of your glass.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
3 June 2025
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Despite the modernity, the space has inviting and homey details, like plush throw pillows, deep armchairs, and tons of coffee table books, allowing guests to kick back and admire their surroundings.—
Claudia Fisher,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2025
Verb
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There are two types of people in the summer: those who like to lounge at the beach, and others who want to get their hair wet and feet sandy, taking a dip in the ocean.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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The playful pup seems full of energy but is also happy to lounge around with his new owner.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Verb
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The graduate is not only bummed about the sister’s absence.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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Everyone — from those actually paying to the ones still bumming a log-in — wants to know how Netflix and other streaming services’ crackdowns on password sharing affect them.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Orlando rested its best offensive weapons after their return from international duty, opting to save them for the second half instead.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
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Edman, who missed 16 games in late April and early May because of the injury, played the final three innings of Tuesday night’s 6-5, 10-inning victory over the Mets, but Roberts planned to rest him Wednesday night.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Cops responded at 3:56 a.m. to a report that a vehicle was idling by the roadside near the intersection of Woodland and Irving streets, its driver apparently unconscious.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
20 May 2025
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Forget circling for parking or idling in tight corners—residents drive into a bay, and the system takes over.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
19 May 2025
Verb
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After baking, chilling them in the fridge for an hour locks in moisture and gives them a dense, chewy texture.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
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Limoncello, a lemon liqueur made from zest and sugar, has long been served chilled after meals.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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