as in lounging
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idling
Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025
Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
David McNew / Getty Images Marquez helped convert Pasadena's fire fleet to renewable diesel fuel so that his crews wouldn't keep breathing in the emissions from idling trucks.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Yamaha’s setup is even tamer – relying on a Starter Motor Generator (SMG) paired with a conventional small-displacement commuter ICE that’s only meant to kick in with mild electric assist while idling and letting the clutch out.
—New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
Waymo’s self-driving robotaxis can successfully nail a tricky left turn, weave through lanes to drop you off at the airport, and safely pass a U-Haul that’s idling in the middle of the street.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Two other girls were idling in a car parked out front, waiting for her, playing music.
—Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025
An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 29 Nov. 2025
Which Wisconsin cities have ordinances with fines associated for leaving your car idling unattended?
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025
The transcripts moved with her, idling among her papers.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
There is no penalty associated with unattended idling in state statute, however, individual municipalities have ordinances in place with fines for the action.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025
Verb
Later, the women were in a idling vehicle when Brown allegedly left his Jeep, walked toward them and fired at the car, court records show.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
David McNew / Getty Images Marquez helped convert Pasadena's fire fleet to renewable diesel fuel so that his crews wouldn't keep breathing in the emissions from idling trucks.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
Yamaha’s setup is even tamer – relying on a Starter Motor Generator (SMG) paired with a conventional small-displacement commuter ICE that’s only meant to kick in with mild electric assist while idling and letting the clutch out.
—New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
Waymo’s self-driving robotaxis can successfully nail a tricky left turn, weave through lanes to drop you off at the airport, and safely pass a U-Haul that’s idling in the middle of the street.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Two other girls were idling in a car parked out front, waiting for her, playing music.
—Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025
An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 29 Nov. 2025
Which Wisconsin cities have ordinances with fines associated for leaving your car idling unattended?
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025
The transcripts moved with her, idling among her papers.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idling
Verb
-
Within a few moments, an antlerless deer emerged, loafing along toward Ronnie, completely unalarmed.—
Jim Moore,
Outdoor Life,
8 Oct. 2025
-
She is seen going over the shots planned for the next day and remembering that some loafing around is planned.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Forward lies a lounging and dining area with large windows that invite the outdoors in.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Muse Pants Every closet needs a reliable pair of grey sweatpants for cozy lounging, long travel days, or layering over a workout set.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Working group member and LJCPA trustee Patrick Ahern said the space would be used more for resting or a place to talk rather than recreation.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
After a moment, with the puck resting behind Hellebuyck and just in front of the goal line, Smith poked it across for his sixth goal of the season.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That is because there is not supposed to be an interval.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Make sure the chili is in a microwave-safe container, then use the defrost setting to heat it in short intervals until thawed.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Further, there’s no excuse for Congress to continue dawdling on farm policy.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Faster pit stops could also help unlock sales for electric two-wheelers, which have been slow to catch on due to dawdling charge times and limited riding range.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Mar. 2023
Verb
-
In the leadup to its debut, the Apple TV/Sony Pictures Television show has been shrouded in secrecy — a decision that lends itself supremely well to a mystery-box sci-fi thriller that is equal parts philosophical conundrum and blood-chilling horror.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
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Other snapshots included one of Graham chilling in a pink sweatsuit in the backseat of a car, her $1,250 dress and heels in a pile beside her.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While strolling in New York City, Katie Holmes went for a casual vibe in baggy black jeans with a light jacket and a crossbody bag, while Jennifer Garner's pair had a touch of subtle elegance with gold-tone hardware.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Shuter also reported that, in Aspen, the couple were seen shopping together and holding hands while strolling around the ski town.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And poor, engine‑damaging quality or not, the ersatz aviation fuel had to work only once to get a kamikaze plane up and away to hit one of the enemy warships now lazing about in the offing around the Home Islands, often close enough to be spotted from shore with the naked eye.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idling. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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