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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Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
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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
Verb
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Temperatures are expected to kick back into warmer spring weather Sunday.—
Laura Turbay,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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Studies have shown how lead particles that fell to the ground were kicked back up into the air again where people could inhale them, along with other contaminants.—
Armin Sorooshian,
The Conversation,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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So does the bar and lounge Peacock Alley.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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Margot has raked in the coin in her successful career, and a simple clean offing of one on whom no love is lost can ensure Tony will enjoy years of lounging with lots of savory bourbon by his side.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Spring cleaning bumming you out?—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
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Action that doesn't get exhausting, humor that isn't repetitive and drama that won't bum you out, these shows go down easy and keep you hungry for more.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After beating Atlanta last Friday without Jaylen Brown and Charlotte on Sunday without Brown and Derrick White, Boston flopped in a rematch with the Hawks, losing 112-102 without a crew of contributors headlined by a resting Jayson Tatum.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The project has dragged on for four years, and Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, founder of a farmworker advocacy group called ALAS, said the problem at 555 Kelly rests at the local level.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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What was supposed to be an uneventful first voyage transporting oil across the Persian Gulf has turned into a nightmare for a 28-year-old sailor from India, who has spent the past month stuck as his ship sits idled by the Iran war.—
Mithil Aggarwal,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2026
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But even Japan, which idled all its plants after that disaster, is restarting its nuclear plants.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.—
Chloe Shrager,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
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Reheat chilled eggs in barely simmering water for 1–2 minutes, or cover them with hot tap water and let sit about 30 minutes until warmed through.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Footle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footle. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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