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
People have been starving for months, and Rhaenyra just handed someone a half-loaf of sourdough and four apples. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026 This round loaf made in San Luis Obispo is a sourdough triumph. Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • I'mPhaedra Trethan, bummed out to hear one of my favorite baseball announcers has been let go in a round of ESPN layoffs.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 21 July 2026
  • Great, for once the Leafs won’t bum me out!
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • With the advent of breed standards and clubs in the early 1900s, an official criteria for a proper Lab, such as otter tails, water resistant coats and wide skulls, became more concrete.
    Pat Mueller, USA Today, 24 July 2026
  • Banerjee said the lack of a skull fracture finding points away from a more forceful blunt-force injury.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • The camp's primary purpose is to provide presidents a place to rest, relax and recharge.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Without Lionel Messi’s participation in the contest — due to an agreement between the MLS and MLS Players Association to allow certain World Cup players to rest without penalty — the league needed another star to step up.
    Kamran Nia July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Research shows that drops in hormones actually shrink the volume of gray matter in a woman’s hippocampus and frontal and temporal cortices, which are key for memory and executive function.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 July 2026
  • The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
    Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • While lounging poolside, the British model and niece of Princess Diana brought the heat in a red-hot triangle bikini held together by a tiny gold ring.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 July 2026
  • Beachgoers hoping to lounge or swim can simply grab a spot on the sand and enjoy the view.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Temilola Adeoye, a comedian, writer and content creator in New York City,attributes this behavior to shortcomings in intellect and literacy — or to a desire to have one’s intellect validated by others.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Toni Collette is phenomenal as Christie’s beloved detective, capturing both her sharp intellect and her understanding of human nature.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Just take care of your[self], and veg out.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
  • This set is damn near professional-wear, with a blazer-style top and contrast piping for those who like to veg out with dignity.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Computer scientist Vernor Vinge later argued that superhuman intelligence would make the future difficult to model.
    Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The combination of arrogance and doctored intelligence that led the United States and its allies into the 2003 Iraq War is almost made for Hollywood.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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