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
The base of these sliders uses Trader Joe’s Soft Pretzel Stick, which is shaped like a loaf of bread. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026 In the painting, this loaf of bread is carefully laid on her lap over a towel edged with blue stripes. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 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
  • Baumeister's son discovered a human skull in the woods at Fox Hollow Farm in 1994, but, according to reports, investigators did not search the property until June 1996.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Five days after Watkins’ skull was crushed in a parking lot, the 50-year-old woman died at a hospital.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • McGowan remembers one visit when Pearl gently rested her head in a woman’s lap at a senior facility and kept returning to her throughout the visit.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • But as Bengals fans know all too well, this season rests on whether Burrow can stay healthy.
    Takashi Williams, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • As its sign of rulership, this Earth sign gives the messenger planet a grounding outlet for its intellect and curiosity.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Here was a juicy alleged scandal involving two big names, a public intellectual and an actor publicly known for her intellect.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To sweeten the deal, simple assembly gets you to the lounging part faster.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Once, Navarrete represented a client virtually from a hotel room, a work jacket over her swimsuit while the rest of her family lounged at the beach.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ravens and crows have also represented intelligence, knowledge, transformation, and even creation in cultures around the world.
    Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Both sides stressed that the use of intelligence and electrification technology is an important focus for working together.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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