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
Some are couch-potato cancers, mostly just loafing around. Maya Singer, Vogue, 23 July 2024 Matthes, an ecologist who works with Friends of the Koala, grew up naming the koalas that loafed around in her backyard. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 June 2024
Noun
Bread, Trampled: When Food Becomes a Weapon That stomped loaf of bread? Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Tear hunks from a crusty loaf of bread and dunk them into the chile-tinged butter. Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • It is now applied to anyone who has not visited the shower trailer and is desperately trying to bum a cig.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Grant invites Dina on the one-on-one, leaving the rest of the women feeling like this: Even though they’re bummed, the women keep their comments positive.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Meet the hiker bringing off-roading wheelchairs to L.A. More big stories Forensic testing links skull remains to Northern California woman missing since 1987.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
  • Flying enemies zip around above, some hurling ghostly skulls at you, others wielding annoyingly long whips.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • But Lee says the burden shouldn’t rest entirely on employees.
    Alice Park, Time, 16 May 2025
  • Tottenham will likely rest most of their strongest XI, with Villa viewing this as another critical moment in narrowing the gap.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Prior research has indicated caffeine consumption may be associated with acute reductions in gray matter volume.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025
  • One particular question the researchers wanted to answer was whether the influence of caffeine on gray matter was a result of the drug’s effect on sleep, as it has been shown that sleep deprivation or disruption can lead to acute reductions in gray matter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • He could also be seen climbing and lounging in trees placed inside his room.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • The group exchanged stories and lounged until 3 a.m. Jordan Collins bought a ticket for storytelling at Jai after hearing about it on Inm’s social media.
    Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The musician is a walking satire of downtown presumptions—and his ferocious intellect turns out to be all business, too.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 May 2025
  • Profound wisdom lives in your most receptive, quiet thoughts so your intuition can guide you where intellect sometimes can’t.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 2 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Making the choice to be social is especially difficult at the end of an exhausting day when your impulse may be to veg out on the couch.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • Newsweek is partnering with global data intelligence platform Statista for the fifth annual ranking of the World's Best Smart Hospitals.
    Newsweek Rankings, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • The advisor sees the president first thing in the morning for the daily intelligence briefing and leaves after the president retires for the evening, but remains on call around the clock.
    Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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