idles

present tense third-person singular 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 idles The film just idles on the runway. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idles
Verb
  • But while the new movie dawdles on its way to Toxie’s origins, then rushes toward a finale with a lurching rhythm that verges on calculated ineptitude, its spirit never feels inauthentic.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And while much of it rests on tradition, this dish’s combination of crispy skin and tender meat appeals to anyone who loves delicious food.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The ship now rests in two pieces around 53 miles northwest of Boulder Reef in Lake Michigan.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Every schedule crescendos and relaxes in terms of travel difficulty, but the Broncos have been on a particularly brutal run recently.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
  • That first episode suffers from the need to do so much heavy lifting and feels both overstuffed and overly conventional, but once all the pieces are in place, the show relaxes into itself and its actual voice emerges.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • When the door opens, Bear strolls in, his front leg covered in paint—clear evidence of his accidental mischief.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In New York City, Sydney Sweeney strolls through Bryant Park with entertainment investor beau Scooter Braun, while Mariska Hargitay and Kelli Giddish take to the streets to film new episodes of Law and Order.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The military plays only an advisory role in the American system, giving input to the president’s deliberations but not otherwise independently adjudicating whether his or her decision is wise.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • Ahead of Sunday’s premiere, Randolph and actress Ali Larter, who plays Ainsley’s mother on the show, spoke to the Star-Telegram about the Norris family dynamic going into season 2.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Challengers, including conservative advocacy groups, argue the law unconstitutionally chills political speech and participation.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • This kind of political pressure on broadcasters and artists chills free speech and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of working Americans.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Light snow lingers into the evening.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But beverages that contain THC don’t hit like alcohol, instead causing a sensation that’s more like a slow exhale that lingers just long enough to make the room feel softer, the music warmer and your friends a little funnier.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idles. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on idles

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!