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
Other offerings include pumpkin chocolate chip loaf, sourdough muffin, sourdough scones, sourdough cinnamon rolls, sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls, cookies and a Pop Tart-style pastry made with sourdough. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026 Grab a bag of the Apple Cabbage Slaw Salad Kit and a tub of Seasoned Shredded Rotisserie Chicken, a loaf of Sliced Porridge Bread, and a jar of Apple Pie Spread. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Hill then apparently fled into the woods, firing off more shots, before he was later picked up, trying to bum a ride and evade police.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The Museum Wiesbaden will return 10 human skulls to Indonesia in a formal ceremony on November 10.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Now, experts believe a dense part of the skull could provide a usable sample.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Engineers will initially run the engine horizontally while the aircraft rests on its launch and recovery vehicle.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Flick had rested Rodri against PSG to keep him fresh for the Real Madrid clash, but that decision backfired with both games ending in defeats.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Your gray matter performs astonishing feats of information processing using little more than the equivalent of a relatively shiny light globe.
    — Mike McRae October 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Reducing Gulliver’s Travels to only a topsy-turvy tale of humans both tiny and massive is to ignore the savage intellect that penned its words.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Caught in that sensual music all neglect Monuments of unageing intellect.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Outside, Jonathan Pol, of Porter, and Bradley Basila, of Chesterton, lounged in camp chairs while greeting voters.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There are also three on-site dipping pools ranging in temperature, perfect for lounging about and taking in the sights of the nearby Looking Glass Arch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Author Yuval Noah Harari has been pointing out the difference between consciousness and intelligence.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Floris was a former top intelligence analyst in charge at the bureau's Washington Field Office, while Benavides was the former deputy assistant director at the FBI's Counterintelligence Division.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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