Synonyms of loaf

loaf 1 of 2

verb

as in to bum

to spend time doing nothing

the kind of sultry August afternoon that makes you just want to loaf

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bum
• lazy
• rest
• lounge
• veg out
• kill time
• stroll
• kick back
• goof (off)
• chill
• hack (around)
• play
• hang about
• hang (around or out)
• poke
• idle
• drone
• laze
• relax
• dawdle
• loll
• footle
• muck
• trifle
• dillydally
• mess
• kick around
• twiddle one's thumbs
• monkey
• fiddle (around)
• piddle
• estivate
• potter (around)
• linger
• dally
• fool
• swan
• putter (around)
• saunter
• hibernate
• doze
• loiter
• amble
• tarry
• lag
• furlough
• mosey
• malinger
• truant
• goldbrick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slave
• labor
• plow
• work
• plug
• toil
• sweat
• grind
• hustle
• buckle (down)
• grub
• plod
• peg
• apply
• hump
• travail
• drudge
• put out
• moil
• exert

loaf

2 of 2

noun

British slang

as in skull

Related Words

• skull
• noodle
• gray matter
• intellect
• intelligence
• brain
• reason
• belfry
• thinker
• psyche
• cerebrum
• mind
• head
• perception
• insight
• mentality
• judgment
• wit
• wisdom
• consciousness
• sagacity
• brilliance
• alertness
• acumen
• awareness
• perspicacity
• sapience
• cognizance
• astuteness
• self-consciousness
• self-awareness

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

Recent Examples of loaf

Verb

Martin’s film features a cast which could be the louche descendants of expat bohemians loafing in Saint-​Tropez a century ago. —Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 16 May 2025

Commenters debated whether certain dog breeds were more prone to loafing and stretching in this way. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

Noun

While a loaf pan can certainly produce a tasty meatloaf, the mixture steams in the pan and there's nowhere for the juices to go. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric, the city’s rising star (and two-time Fou de Pâtisserie pastry prize winner), oversees every rustic loaf of bread, baked good and plated dessert that is served, whether delivered to rooms or presented to guests at one of the on-site restaurants. —Kasia Dietz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026