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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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
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The plush beds have new headboards, tapestries by local artist Elena Carozzi now hang about the beds, bespoke wardrobes and minibars were created in dark wood and straw, and the bathrooms have been redone in green Cipollino marble.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
Verb
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But between games, where does New York’s star point guard kick back and recharge his batteries?—
India Roby,
Architectural Digest,
9 June 2026
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Madix also loves kicking back at the day clubs, with her top picks encompassing a range of experiences.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Her figures lounged, stood, or in one instance danced in unadorned, nearly empty interiors composed with broad, feathery brushstrokes.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The New York Review of Books,
6 June 2026
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Best Patio Deals Prepare your outdoor spaces for endless summer lounging with Wayfair’s steep discounts on the essentials.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Some were drawn first to the language and its interna ideo, only to later realize the travel benefits involved; others had learned the language specifically to bum around.—
Katie Thornton,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
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That means, as some critics of the ban have pointed out, that 18-year-olds will almost certainly bum cigarettes from older friends—the same way younger teens have acquired them since time immemorial.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
Verb
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With closing arguments looming on Tuesday, Karmelo Anthony's defense rested without calling him to testify — a move that came as legal analysts questioned whether his self-defense claim will persuade jurors.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
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Palestinians and Lebanese exist and persist in their land the way a tree grows and a rock rests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Verb
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The problem is that powering up the engines, idling them, and then using their massive power just to trundle around the tarmac is scarcely economical.—
David Szondy
June 07,
New Atlas,
7 June 2026
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Hardy reportedly kept production stalled by staying in his trailer for hours at a time, often leaving co-stars Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren idle on set.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Among these is the Cryo Dirty Martini, crafted with briny Belvedere 10 Vodka and cryo-chilled with liquid nitrogen before being presented on a silver tray with green olives and a caviar bump.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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The drinks are best served chilled, so be sure to load them up in your cooler before heading to the pool.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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