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
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
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
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
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The Broncos went dormant offensively.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
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Fertilizing Flowers Because most plants go dormant in winter, fertilizing is not useful right now.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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The action itself may feel lazy, but the result is trouble-free, straightforward cool.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Once considered safe bets for steady rent, many now sit vacant.—
Amachie Ackah,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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