1
as in dormant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
the car was idle for two weeks while they went on vacation the company's competitors have not been idle in developing rival products
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lazy
not easily aroused to action or work
an idle employee who always seems to be either on break or at lunch
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to lazy
to spend time doing nothing
she likes to idle during the summer and recharge herself for the fall semester we idled away the evening relaxing around the campfire
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idle
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 6 July 2025
Meanwhile, the rapid rise in prominence of a US military base in western Saudi Arabia that for years sat idle suggests conflict with Iran had been anticipated, The New York Times reported.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025
Buyers’ expertise is accelerating while most sellers are still idling.
—Aman Rangrass, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Adjective
Farmers snapped up new combines and tractors that had sat idle on dealer lots five years earlier.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 6 July 2025
Meanwhile, the rapid rise in prominence of a US military base in western Saudi Arabia that for years sat idle suggests conflict with Iran had been anticipated, The New York Times reported.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
When only two vehicles remain on the far edge of the lot, the woman twists the key in the ignition and the idling car shudders still.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025
Buyers’ expertise is accelerating while most sellers are still idling.
—Aman Rangrass, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idle
Adjective
-
After lying dormant for years, the match was revived in NXT by Triple H, becoming a popular annual event for the brand.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
In fact, the trade market was surprisingly dormant league-wide after widespread anticipation that a hectic two nights were in store.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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By the end of the summer, there will be another pool with a zero-entry layout, lazy river, and seven private cabanas.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
-
And perhaps that is lazy script writing from the football gods.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Paired with the gray-ish green color palette, sparse decor, and dark atmospherics in the Institute itself, the bleak vibes may be enough to turn some viewers off for good, especially those horror purists who tune in hoping to be terrified rather than just bummed out.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 July 2025
-
In a lot of ways obviously, devastated and bummed out.—
Mike Fitzpatrick,
Baltimore Sun,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.—
John Perrotto,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Entering play Thursday, an off day for the Yankees, the reigning American League MVP had the highest average (.361), OPS (1.180), fWAR (6.1) and wRC+ (221) in baseball.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Days spent lounging on the beach are typically followed by oceanside drinks and dancing at the lively, unpretentious Paddy’s Beach Club or the Windjammer Surf Bar.—
Bob Curley,
AFAR Media,
8 July 2025
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In early June, Bieber posted a cute snap of himself lounging with his feet up as his son held onto his leg.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Manny Pacquiao The 30-year-old Barrios won the vacant WBC interim welterweight title in September 2023 with a unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugás.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
Denver’s sideline contingent Court-side seats were mostly vacant on Thursday when the Nuggets opened Summer League play against Milwaukee.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Verb
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In the photo, Spieth and his children's hands can be seen touching the little one, who is resting while wearing a blue onesie with trucks printed on it.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
After taking a little extra time to rest up, the three-time Grammy winner kicked off her Las Vegas residency with a bang on Friday night.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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But last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that pulled back $2.1 billion of that money, which was expected to go unused.—
Jim Saunders,
Sun Sentinel,
7 July 2025
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Relics like these dot the country from California to Pennsylvania: unused, unplugged oil and gas wells.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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