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
An employee personal drink was stored in direct contact with a loaf of bread. Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Treat your family to all the wonderful sweetness and texture of carrot cake in a loaf. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Critical thinking really bums them out.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Then Jason and Thor shower together, each lathering the other’s back and bums up with fewer orgasms than an old Herbal Essences commercial.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The force of the blow dislocated Sanchez’s jaw, permanently damaging both her temporomandibular joints, which connect the jawbone to the skull.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The ranch's classic logo is an O'Keeffe drawing of a cow skull.
    John Burnett, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Both teams were shorthanded with eight players on each side ruled out due to injuries – or rest in the case of Kyle Filipowski, a 22-year-old forward who played 25 minutes two nights earlier in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Much of the progress toward eliminating sleeping sickness rests on the work of African researchers and patients who took part in the trials, despite difficult conditions.
    Fran Kritz, NPR, 16 Mar. 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
  • And for those who want to lounge and nap as much as possible, Costa Rica has plenty of all-inclusive resorts that are conducive to complete relaxation.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Amenities include lush landscaped areas, pools, spas, lounging areas, a pavilion and 14 private boat slips.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How could all their passion and intellect be allowed to go to waste?
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Focusing on Young’s addiction feels reductive, especially when her catalog is filled with humor and intellect and skill.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 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
  • Roughly 400 vessels were spotted operating in the Gulf of Oman, as a massive backlog of ships waited near the chokepoint, according to a report from maritime intelligence firm Windward on Sunday.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Esmaeil Khatib, Iran’s intelligence minister, was targeted in a strike conducted by the IDF in Tehran, Iran.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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