loaf 1 of 2

Definition of loafnext

loaf

2 of 2

noun

British slang

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb loaf differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of loaf are idle, laze, loll, and lounge. While all these words mean "to spend time doing nothing," loaf suggests either resting or wandering about as though there were nothing to do.

she does her work and then loafs the rest of the day

When is idle a more appropriate choice than loaf?

The words idle and loaf can be used in similar contexts, but idle may be used in reference to persons that move lazily or without purpose.

idled the day away

Where would laze be a reasonable alternative to loaf?

Although the words laze and loaf have much in common, laze usually implies the relaxation of a busy person enjoying a vacation or moments of leisure.

lazed about between appointments

When can loll be used instead of loaf?

The words loll and loaf are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loll also carries an implication of a posture similar to that of lounge, but places greater stress upon an indolent or relaxed attitude.

lolling on the couch

When could lounge be used to replace loaf?

The meanings of lounge and loaf largely overlap; however, lounge, though occasionally used as equal to idle or loaf, typically conveys an additional implication of resting or reclining against a support or of physical comfort and ease in relaxation.

he lounged against the wall

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 loaf
Verb
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 Martin removed his right fielder for loafing on a ball hit to the outfield. — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
Bravin said the deaf community is often not able to hear announcements at food pantries for potential rules or limitations like one carton of eggs or one loaf of bread being allowed on that day. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026 Cool the loaf completely before storing to prevent trapped moisture, which can lead to sogginess or mold. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • The joy Lisa has with her RHUGT cast compared with the dread her RHOSLC cast seems to bring her really bums me out — especially because of how much of this trip is championing the sisterhood of Housewives.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • My conversation partner returned, somehow unable to bum even a single cigarette from anyone at this party.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Tiny and blond with rounded, cherubic features, Pugh’s Cathy lands at their doorstep one night like an angel that crashed to the earth, her skull cracked and her dress drenched in blood.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Pike took a piece of the victim's crushed skull as a trophy and later showed it off in school, recounting that Slemmer had begged the trio to stop, according to court records.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For the couple, the biggest issue with the house, which rests on a 10,500-square-foot street-to-street lot, was that many rooms in the 2,000-square-foot home didn’t take advantage of the breathtaking views.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There’s been significant opposition to the deal from the start, but also tremendous pressure on Bonta to put the case to rest as Ellison threatened to move the studio out of California.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Studies have shown greater gray matter density or stronger white matter integrity in bilingual people, compared with people who speak one language.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike during puberty and pregnancy, the menopausal transition—the moment the body is going through menopause—doesn’t appear linked to an overall decrease in cortical gray matter volume.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This is really a spot to escape for the weekend with your boo, or a couple of close friends who just want to veg out and drink and enjoy the scenery.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Just take care of your[self], and veg out.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Fundamentalists will claim that the moral code that follows from their faith needs no intellect to follow.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That far down the line, the brand should still represent creativity, beauty, culture, intellect and craftsmanship.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Our favorite spots to lounge were the roof deck loungers and the padded bench seating beneath shady palm fronds in the atrium courtyard.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Keep scrolling to shop more Cozy Earth essentials for lounging, sleeping, and gifting at Nordstrom.
    — Vivien Lee, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • War Secretary Pete Hegseth is mobilizing the Pentagon’s cybersecurity and intelligence resources to protect against foreign interference in the 2026 midterm elections.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The State Department’s annual declassified intelligence report has repeatedly concluded that Russia and North Korea have offensive biological weapons programs, while raising concerns about China and Iran.
    — Ashish K. Jha, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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