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
Gulf News connects the trend with the satisfaction of making something from scratch, whether the finished product is a loaf of bread or a batch of cookies pulled straight from the oven. Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 This sourdough bakes warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger right into a pumpkin loaf. Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 3 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
  • The rare condition causes the carotid artery inside the skull to narrow or close, depriving the brain of oxygen.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The Tasmanian tiger, which went extinct almost a century ago, had a huge skull and a lethal snap — a rare combination for a carnivorous mammal.
    Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If a task keeps looping, write it down and let your body rest without guilt.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Developing pitchers is an existential concern for the Brewers, who had to replace Peralta and cannot rest on unearthing a surprising contributor like Priester once every couple of years.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The researchers found that London taxi drivers had measurably more gray matter in the posterior hippocampus, a brain area tied to storing large-scale spatial maps.
    Hatim Sharif, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 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
  • The presentation was designed to work on the emotions as well as the intellect.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Children’s imaginations and intellect should be nurtured rather than broken.
    Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At the event, some rugs were laid out on the grass in lieu of picnic blankets for guests to lounge on while nibbling on light bites; others were suspended from metal frames like tapestries.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026
  • My daughter, who is 13, preferred to soak up the sun, lounging by the water’s edge.
    Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Our current architecture estimates suggest that separating deterministic execution from runtime intelligence could reduce expected token consumption by around 90% compared with initial approaches.
    Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • From our first conversations, Jon blew us away with his intelligence and deep creative insights about how to craft great stories.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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