idler

noun

Definition of idlernext
as in slug
a lazy person the hot weather turned us into a bunch of idlers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 idler Their name exudes the essence of an idler and slacker, but women’s loafers themselves are quite the opposite. — Gaby Keiderling, Harper's BAZAAR, 19 Jan. 2023 This represents the loss of an idea of what the capital should represent, the removal of a place that was an idler’s haven. — Anandi Mishra, The Atlantic, 30 July 2022 If the flaneur is an active idler, the badaud is a stationary, passive one, ready to stare open-mouthed at any phenomenon that offers novelty or puzzlement. — Julian Barnes, The New York Review of Books, 27 Apr. 2022 That these dialogues are a joint project of the WEF and the entitled idler next in line to the British throne is another reminder that democracy is no part of the Davos game. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 29 Oct. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idler
  1. slug
  2. drone
  3. sluggard
  4. snail
  5. bum
  6. layabout
  7. deadbeat
Noun
  • If your garden has been beset by destructive crawling insects like ants, beetles, and slugs, pesticides often seem like the clear solution.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Baking soda can help prevent powdery mildew, kill weeds, repel slugs, and clean produce, but must be used sparingly.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026
Definition of slug
Noun
  • Even if all the building challenges can be overcome, many analysts question whether money spent on battleships would be well-spent at a time when low-cost drones are increasingly effective in naval warfare.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine's air force said in a post to Telegram that Russia launched 115 drones and 28 missiles -- 24 ballistic missiles and four anti-ship missiles -- into the country overnight, of which 98 drones were intercepted.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of drone
Noun
  • Scar then proceeds to desolate the kingdom, with the help of hyenas, while Simba, in exile, grows up to become a pleasure-hunting, grub-eating sluggard.
    — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 19 July 2019
  • Clearly, supervision at your job is lax, and your sluggard classmate is taking advantage of that.
    — Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2017
Definition of sluggard
Noun
  • With construction, egg masses buried beneath sand may not survive, and dredging can also release pollutants, including heavy metals, that could affect the iconic snail.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
  • Several studies have found that snail mucus secretions can kill bacteria and prevent skin infections from worsening, especially when applied to wounds.
    — Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 July 2026
Definition of snail
Noun
  • In terms of consistency, there really is no bum track on this album.
    — David Harris, SPIN, 21 July 2026
  • The Coliseum stayed in business for 500 years, bums in seats twice a week, watching people hack each other to death.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of bum
Noun
  • Marlon's Shorty Meeks is in his 25th year of high school, but has made millions as a layabout live-streamer.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
  • When layabout postman Jesper gets assigned to the frozen town of Smeerensburg with an ultimatum to process 6,000 letters, a reclusive toymaker might be his only hope.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Definition of layabout
Noun
  • Alas, there’s not enough time for this deadbeat to blossom into a real dad.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • To track down her mother, Lila teams up with her deadbeat father for a journey that includes grudge-settling, Russian criminals, and corrupt politicians.
    — Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 18 May 2026
Definition of deadbeat

Browse Nearby Words

idleness
idler
idlers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idler. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of idler for Spanish Speakers

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