loaf 1 of 2

loaf

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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
Spoon any topping and nuts in pan onto loaf. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025 People may also eat challah, a braided bread, in a round loaf to represent a cycle of the year. Victoria E. Freile, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
More strikingly, people all over the county were actually seeing mountain lions, not only in their high beams at night but in broad daylight, with increasing regularity: crossing the road, loafing at the edge of a fenced field, skirting a campground. Malcolm Brooks Malcolm Hillgartner Krish Seenivasan Zak Mouton, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024 With so much torque available anywhere between 2500 and 5000 rpm, this car is quick even when loafing along. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Democrats’ most visible strategy appears to be trying to bum a few bucks from the grassroots—when the grassroots’ greatest power is in protest, boycott, and other unified mobilization efforts.
    Sarah Stankorb, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Alabama gave Georgia its first home loss in six years with a 24-21 constriction; Oregon rode a pair of Moores (Dante and Dakorien) to bum out Happy Valley in extra time.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The pins went through the scalp and were docked on the surface of her skull with numbing cream.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The protesters are using a cartoon skull wearing a straw hat as their symbol.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To facilitate even heating, let food rest for a few minutes after cooking.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Whereas the prosecution spent more than six weeks presenting its case against Combs, the mogul's defense did not call any witnesses to the stand and rested its case in under 30 minutes.
    Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those with less social connection were also found to have smaller gray matter volume in regions of the brain associated with thinking and learning.
    Arianna Huffington, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Some studies reported smaller gray matter volumes in children with ADHD compared to those without, while others showed no difference or even larger volumes.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ideal for an extra bed layer on winter nights, or for lounging on the couch, choose from 32 colors and nine sizes to find your perfect fit.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Couches and daybeds to cuddle up in, chairs for dinner parties, and desks to lounge at while sipping coffee are all essential.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The King of Swords invites you to lead with intellect, integrity, and objectivity.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In a rare turn for Chinese tech, Alibaba is leaning heavily into superintelligence — a hypothetical AI system surpassing human intellect — mirroring efforts by US firms like OpenAI and Meta.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This is something Kang was championing — badass characters who also veg out on the couch without makeup on.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
  • And while humans tend to veg out on the couch, canines typically only watch for short periods.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The festival also falls during the seventh anniversary of the assassination of Washington Post columnist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, which a US intelligence report says happened at the behest of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
    Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The office of the director of national intelligence is expected to make an announcement on the Havana Syndrome investigation soon, two sources told the Herald.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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