idles

Definition of idlesnext
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 As your car idles, warm air blown from the top of your dashboard will melt the ice on the outside of the windshield. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025 Security camera footage shows a black vehicle park in front of Café Bernardo, a restaurant, and idles for about two minutes. Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 17 Dec. 2025 The high-output Arco Zeus alternator cuts recharge time in half compared to earlier models and can charge the battery bank even while the Sprinter engine idles. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2025 The film just idles on the runway. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025 As our car idles, Lucas Nascimento Morgado, a young biologist who works for a jaguar NGO called Onçafari here in the southern Brazilian Pantanal, grins giddily. Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 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
  • The case for more medical freedom rests on laudable principles.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Also, Goldman’s framework rests not on a direct count of jobs lost to AI and jobs created by AI in real time, but on inferences derived from a regression analysis.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Exhaling occurs when the diaphragm relaxes and the chest recoils.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Both are normal responses as the body relaxes.
    Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The traditional 13th day of the Iranian New Year brought families together for picnics, music and nature strolls.
    Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Nicole Kidman exits the theater on her phone and wanders into a side room; Jessie Buckley strolls out of the theater talking about snacks.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the dance, Barnes plays a library page on her lunch hour who has to deliver five research requests to patrons.
    Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Making plays often for his teammates, Banchero added six assists, but turned the ball over five times.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.
    Chloe Shrager, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Uncertainty chills the market TOPSHOT - Smoke rises from the direction of an energy installation in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 14, 2026.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Critical thinking really bums them out.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Then Jason and Thor shower together, each lathering the other’s back and bums up with fewer orgasms than an old Herbal Essences commercial.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That anticipation for Season 3, premiering Sunday, still lingers for Fletcher, though it’s tempered now by doubt and distance, thanks to a four-year gap between seasons.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The active pattern lingers, with additional chances for showers and storms on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
    Nelly Carreno, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Idles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idles. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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