as in slug
a lazy person
she regretted ever asking that layabout to be her roommate, as he created the mess of two people and refused to help with anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 layabout
Moore’s then-husband Bruce Willis plays against-type as the abusive layabout husband of hairdresser Joyce (Glenne Headly).
—
Katie Rife, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
In Yancheng, in eastern China, the police have checked karaoke bars, rental housing and hotels for potential layabouts.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Again, these workshy layabouts take a day off, but the jamboree ends on New Year’s Day, with Brentford at home to Arsenal.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Republicans consistently slander disability recipients as malingerers and layabouts.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for layabout
Katie Rife, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
In Yancheng, in eastern China, the police have checked karaoke bars, rental housing and hotels for potential layabouts.
—Vivian Wang, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Again, these workshy layabouts take a day off, but the jamboree ends on New Year’s Day, with Brentford at home to Arsenal.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Republicans consistently slander disability recipients as malingerers and layabouts.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for layabout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layabout
Noun
-
Any organic mulch will work, but leaves may attract slugs.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
-
While this energy level is lower than many rifle categories, the slug’s massive frontal area and weight create uniquely destructive terminal effects.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The drone can manage flight controls and throttle adjustments without human commands, the company said.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
-
While the approach has boosted morale and efficiency, analysts warn that heavy reliance on drones may not be sustainable.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The level of luxury she’s introduced with Barracuda is a stark contrast to the humbler quarters generally associated with backpackers and itinerant surf bums, which still make up the majority of Itacaré’s lodging options.—
David Amsden,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
-
And the oversized top has a split hem that falls below the bum.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The world’s biggest deadbeat has passed the begging bowl again.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The final straw was painting him as a deadbeat stepfather to Echevarria’s two sons, Frankie and Peter, which he flat-out denied.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Or, another one of these loafer flats that are as little as $19.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
And they’re constructed in a slip-on, loafer style that wraps fully around your feet for a secure all-day fit.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
His discoveries promise to upset the gaming tables of every school of thought that wagers on new and untested art for idlers’ rewards: the love of novelty, the will to make or unmake reputations, the wish to be hip or au courant.—
Mark Greif,
Harper's Magazine,
26 July 2024
-
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
Noun
-
This will reduce the number of snails and other pests that overwinter nearby and feed on your plants in spring.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Sturdy cloches can keep slugs, snails, and many other pests from feeding on veggies, herbs, and flowers.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Layabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layabout. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share