idled

past tense of idle

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 idled The slowdown also idled, at least temporarily, about 1,500 workers at the Bally’s Chicago site this week. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 The Dolphins hope Willis still can become a late bloomer a la Sam Darnold, who struggled and idled early in his career, made his first Pro Bowl at Willis’ age and won a Super Bowl with Seattle last season. Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026 The sheer number of ships − study authors cite at least 1,500 vessels − idled near the trade route and the length of time involved are just the beginning. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026 Bercich said the day the Metrodome roof caved in, Ryan’s car idled on the side of the road, unable to handle the onslaught of snow. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 July 2026 The show’s characters idled away their time watching programs like Years of Our Days to Live. Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 In fact, Airbus was collecting orders and making deliveries while Boeing idled due to the bans and delays imposed by the CAAC. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 14 May 2026 Government number crunchers were temporarily idled in October, so were unable to collect housing prices that month. Scott Horsley, NPR, 12 May 2026 The bus idled in a parking lot while the driver, Evan Prothero, and the choir director deliberated. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idled
Verb
  • Laughing, smoking cigarettes, and sipping bottles of Red Stripe, numerous packs of Black folks lounged around the joint.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Emily Ratajkowski lounged on a beach in Spain with her 5-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear wearing a tiny animal print bikini.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Eva Longoria strolled through the streets of Spain in a black and white dress that truly has no limits.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
  • Harry and Archie strolled ahead of Lilibet, who wore a floral dress with metallic sandals while touting a tiny purse.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • But, lucky for anyone who dawdled, many of the deals are still active.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 June 2026
  • Flight attendants turned into drill sergeants, barking at passengers who flouted mask rules or dawdled too long eating that snack with the mask off.
    Thomas Black, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Just the sight of the glasses, dewy with condensation on the outside and filled to the rim with clinking ice, nearly chilled my body.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Three four-legged friends chilled along the Hudson River at the Hertz Gold Squad Hangout, clearly enjoying being petted by concert-goers taking in the music.
    Lori Majewski, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The pigs that would soon enough become lunch lazed in the compost-pile mud in front of a five-star-hotel-worthy view of the Cretan Sea.
    Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
  • Further on, sandy-colored cows lazed in the mid-morning sun.
    Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Su opened a drawer full of lenses, snapped two into a pair of industrial-looking metal frames, and rested them on Infante’s face, trying to fine-tune the level of magnification.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Every manager has his ways of keeping players rested and ready.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Black Frankenstein, Superfly Snuka droned, without looking up from his clipboard.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Helicopters roar overhead, reminding me that last week people were worried the Oscars were going to get droned.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Tuesday morning’s workout brought a welcome diversion from drills, when SDSU players and coaches moved from the turf to the grass practice field and actually played some football.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Etzel said the controversy surrounding COVID vaccines and vaccine mandates has played a role in fueling skepticism.
    Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Idled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idled. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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