as in to kill time
to spend time doing nothing
returned home unannounced and found the au pair goofing off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goof (off)
Verb
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Just take care of your[self], and veg out.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Jan. 2026 -
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
Noun
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Each, in their way, is ambitious — no room for slackers here!—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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For decades, Citi had tried and failed to shed its reputation as Wall Street’s slacker bank that had long trailed rivals in profitability.—
Claire Zillman,
Fortune,
27 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
Noun
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To me, an underachiever in this sense would be franchises who have seen a ton of talent through multiple eras come through their doors while never winning anything of significance.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
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But Flynn also oozes sniveling self-righteousness while hotly defending and petitioning for childhood innocence (amusing hints emerge that the daughter is a somewhat lazy and dim underachiever).—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 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
-
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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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
-
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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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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Get our daily newsletter Yet Mr Schwarzman avoids footling with life’s foot-soldiers for a reason.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
19 Sep. 2019
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Cite this Entry
“Goof (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof%20%28off%29. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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