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
Fall baking is one of the season’s real pleasures, but a from-scratch loaf isn’t always realistic. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 2026 The bakers will eventually fill orders for bread and pastries from families ahead of Rosh Hashanah — $11 for a loaf or the Rosh Hashanah special, two for $20. — Miami Herald, 9 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
  • Even the best helmets and other gear can give a false sense of security, Nowinski says, because they’re primarily designed to reduce skull fracture and linear acceleration, not the rotational acceleration that leads to CTE.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Notable finds include a partial skeleton of a Miocene-era seabird, and a complete baleen whale skull weighing more than 650 pounds.
    — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The judge also heard victim impact statements Wednesday from Cozzi's friends and family, including his parents and husband, who spoke to the pain of not being able to lay him to rest.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of concentrating thousands of visitors into just a few months, wildlife disturbance and trail use are distributed more evenly throughout the year, allowing nature to regenerate and rest more, well, naturally.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Studies have shown greater gray matter density or stronger white matter integrity in bilingual people, compared with people who speak one language.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Fundamentalists will claim that the moral code that follows from their faith needs no intellect to follow.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • That far down the line, the brand should still represent creativity, beauty, culture, intellect and craftsmanship.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If lounging by the water gets old, the resort runs a wide range of complimentary activities, from yoga sessions to an aloe scrub–making class.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Dress it up with a skirt or trousers for holiday celebrations, date nights, and other special occasions, or team it with leggings for a comfy yet cute outfit to lounge in.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Mineral Fire broke out near Iowa Hill Road and had been mapped at 2 acres by a Cal Fire intelligence aircraft.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Kao is widely regarded within Indian intelligence circles as a formative figure in the country’s espionage apparatus, with successive R&AW chiefs having credited his strategic approach.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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