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

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
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
Compared to its peers, this loaf stood notably tall. Mario Cortez, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026 Grease and flour an 8x5-inch loaf pan. Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • On March 17, a video obtained by TMZ showed LaBeouf in a hotel lobby in Rome, Italy, wearing only his underwear and trying to bum a light for a cigarette.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Spring cleaning bumming you out?
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The family said the young boy suffered skull fractures on both sides of his head but has since been released from the hospital.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Officials later confirmed the skull was human, a police spokeswoman said.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The case for more medical freedom rests on laudable principles.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Also, Goldman’s framework rests not on a direct count of jobs lost to AI and jobs created by AI in real time, but on inferences derived from a regression analysis.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
    Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
  • White matter, so named because of a pale, fatty substance called myelin that wraps the bundles of nerves, carries information between gray matter areas like highways in the brain.
    Christopher M. Filley, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There are more ways than lounging on your couch sipping Arnold Palmers to take it all in.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • From a morning perusing the Louvre to an afternoon lounging at the Luxembourg Garden—plus a day trip to Champagne or a weekend away in Burgundy—these 15 items embrace French chic.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless of their work ethic, intellect and creativity, capital has always exploited them but never been willing to partner with them.
    Jacob Walthour, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • How could all their passion and intellect be allowed to go to waste?
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 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
  • At their best, then, prediction markets aggregate collective intelligence to weigh the likelihood of future events.
    Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Pixel 9a brings Google's flagship intelligence to a more accessible price point without compromising on durability or features.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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