idle 1 of 2

idle

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word idle different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of idle are inactive, inert, passive, and supine. While all these words mean "not engaged in work or activity," idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.

workers were idle in the fields

When is inactive a more appropriate choice than idle?

The meanings of inactive and idle largely overlap; however, inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work.

on inactive status as an astronaut
inactive accounts

When could inert be used to replace idle?

The words inert and idle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inert as applied to things implies powerlessness to move or to affect other things; as applied to persons it suggests an inherent or habitual indisposition to activity.

inert ingredients in drugs
an inert citizenry

When can passive be used instead of idle?

The words passive and idle can be used in similar contexts, but passive implies immobility or lack of normally expected response to an external force or influence and often suggests deliberate submissiveness or self-control.

passive resistance

When might supine be a better fit than idle?

While in some cases nearly identical to idle, supine applies only to persons and commonly implies abjectness or indolence.

a supine willingness to play the fool

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of idle
Adjective
That includes ways to harness geothermal energy from idle or abandoned oil and gas wells. Moones Alamooti, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025 This significantly decreases the likelihood of collateral damage on the forces deployed by a security guarantor, allowing that partner to be a neutral and idle spectator rather than an active belligerent. Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
While the site is idled, Olsen said, workers receive their normal paychecks, and some have undergone training to learn new skills. Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025 The filtration system must be robust enough to perform under stop-and-go driving, prolonged idling and urban pollution while also remaining effective between filter replacements. Anan Bishara, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idle
Adjective
  • The Broncos went dormant offensively.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Fertilizing Flowers Because most plants go dormant in winter, fertilizing is not useful right now.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the room service menu, which blended everything from soups and sandwiches to expansive plates, was a great option for breakfast in bed or a lazy lunch.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The action itself may feel lazy, but the result is trouble-free, straightforward cool.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Alabama gave Georgia its first home loss in six years with a 24-21 constriction; Oregon rode a pair of Moores (Dante and Dakorien) to bum out Happy Valley in extra time.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Two weeks after an upset loss to visiting Cal Poly and a week after having a off-night bye to think about a season that could go either way, Sacramento State delivered a resounding 55-27 victory over Weber State on Saturday night in chilly Ogden, Utah.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Prettygarden 2-piece Jogger Set This two-piece set is an instant upgrade to your off-duty style.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wear them from lounging around the house, going out with friends, or for a quick singing and sesh, like Duff.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The elevator opens to the foyer, where 12-foot ceilings and polished stone floors lead into the massive great room, stretching 80 feet long; there’s plenty of room to accommodate a trio of lounging and dining areas.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Once considered safe bets for steady rent, many now sit vacant.
    Amachie Ackah, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Currently vacant, the building sits on a 1-acre parcel and includes a loading dock, freight elevator, multiple bathrooms and a main office with lobby.
    Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Right guard Dominick Puni (knee) returned after missing Wednesday’s session, as did running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams who had that practice off to rest, as usual.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • City have four home games in this period, with a trip to Swansea in the Carabao Cup between Gameweek 9 and 10 being a natural opportunity for Pep Guardiola to rest some players.
    Holly Shand, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Endrick returned to the squad for the September 20 match against Espanyol, but was an unused substitute that day and in all four matches across La Liga and the Champions League since.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Grapevine’s letter also stated that the school district received an additional $14 million from the state and paid off unused bond funds that potentially could have been used toward expenses such as repairs and technology.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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