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
On the food front, Dunkin’ Donuts introduced a new pumpkin loaf with cream cheese icing. Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2025 The loaf dated back to the Bronze Age. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
More strikingly, people all over the county were actually seeing mountain lions, not only in their high beams at night but in broad daylight, with increasing regularity: crossing the road, loafing at the edge of a fenced field, skirting a campground. Malcolm Brooks Malcolm Hillgartner Krish Seenivasan Zak Mouton, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024 With so much torque available anywhere between 2500 and 5000 rpm, this car is quick even when loafing along. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • That’s what was bumming him out.
    Emily Longeretta, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
  • To be this close over and over is really bumming me out.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Latvian workers harvested rock from the small hill along the lake, eventually discovering a human skull amongst the rubble in 1964.
    Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The doctors have to remove a small piece of his skull to release the pressure in his brain.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Still, Demi Moore never rests on her style laurels.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The visible-light photo, taken by one of Maxar Technologies' WorldView Legion satellites orbiting at an altitude of 312 miles (518 kilometers), shows what appears to be a fleet of fighter jets resting on the ramp adjacent to the runway surrounded by brown, arid soil.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some studies reported smaller gray matter volumes in children with ADHD compared to those without, while others showed no difference or even larger volumes.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In other words there’s a measurable reduction in brain volume or gray matter in certain areas.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Even the arm and backrests are adjustable to provide the maximum amount of comfort while lounging.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The kitchen is great for entertaining with an easy flow out to the alfresco dining and lounging areas alongside the infinity-edge pool, all with unobstructed views of the horizon.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Michèle comes across as a singular and powerful personality, with something of Akerman’s own trenchant intellect, assertive candor, and vulnerable self-revelation.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
  • With his new book, Pan, Clune has turned his cockeyed sensibility and coruscating intellect to fiction.
    Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This is something Kang was championing — badass characters who also veg out on the couch without makeup on.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Managing and interpreting the flood of data would be impossible without machine intelligence.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Counterterrorism strategies must continue to adapt to meet this evolving battleground, leveraging not only military and intelligence tools but also public-private partnerships with tech platforms, AI monitoring, and global diplomacy.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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