lazy 1 of 2

Definition of lazynext

lazy

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lazy distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words indolent and slothful are common synonyms of lazy. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

When is it sensible to use indolent instead of lazy?

Although the words indolent and lazy have much in common, indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

When might slothful be a better fit than lazy?

While in some cases nearly identical to lazy, slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

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 lazy
Adjective
Things to do As a Disney resort, Aulani is geared toward families with activities like a lazy river and programming meant to entertain kids. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 June 2026 The lazy writing doesn’t end there. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 June 2026 Rise up in the biggest moments, not on a lazy Tuesday night in Columbus. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 June 2026 For him, a slow summer simply means lazy days and not being busy, just enjoying the summer. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lazy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lazy
Adjective
  • The Sox maintained their half-game lead over the idle Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central after their series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Rate Field was postponed.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
  • The pharmaceutical industry hasn't been sitting idle during this period.
    Nagesh Nama, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone old enough to vote is old enough to remember that California hasn’t always been so careless with its elections.
    Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 17 June 2026
  • That charming and shaggy approach is fitting for such a campy and irreverent comedy, ultimately substituting polish for an equal mixture of artistic grit and careless joy.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Some were drawn first to the language and its interna ideo, only to later realize the travel benefits involved; others had learned the language specifically to bum around.
    Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • That means, as some critics of the ban have pointed out, that 18-year-olds will almost certainly bum cigarettes from older friends—the same way younger teens have acquired them since time immemorial.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • At some point, sleepy teenagers make their way into the kitchen, lured by the aroma of whatever their mom has decided to bake before dawn.
    Julie Jordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026
  • Ferries make regular runs to the sleepy island community located 40 or so miles off the coast of the New England mainland — weather permitting, of course.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed.
    Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
  • To do otherwise is neglectful and selfish.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The sense of just how much there is to do in this part of the world—the length of the scale between lazing and becoming ultra-active—is palpable.
    Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
  • Instead of setting up a spot on the sand, beachgoers typically pitch their chairs in the shallow clear blue water and laze the day away.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Treatment for indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) largely focuses on preventing and controlling specific symptoms and anaphylaxis.
    Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 12 June 2026
  • No, rest is for the lazy, the Caucasian adolescent, the indolent, the indulgent—until the age of thirty.
    Taiye Selasi, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Ice bags and cold towels may make players feel cooler, but experts say briefly chilling a small patch of skin does not necessarily pull much heat from the body’s core.
    Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 19 June 2026
  • Her picks include a large grill that can handle food for a crowd, a rolling ice chest that keeps dozens of drinks chilled for the party and a handy, convertible picnic table and bench that's ideal for smaller spaces.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lazy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lazy. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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