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
The loaf dated back to the Bronze Age. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Oyeyemi’s novels are less punishing than that loaf, but just as likely to scramble the senses. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 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
  • The bear skull was not directly carbon dated, but another bone from the site in the same archaeological context was between 1,675 and 1,785 years old, researchers said.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The child was taken to the hospital for medical treatment and is currently in the pediatric intensive care unit with bilateral skull fractures and subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhages, according to the arrest citation.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With its announcement post, however, the social media platform has put those concerns to rest.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Facing a three-run deficit against the Yankees’ rested bullpen, Houston scored six times and struck six hits against four relievers, taking the sort of at-bats that have been missing for so much of their inconsistent second half.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 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
  • Marlowe, lounging behind Frizer, grabbed Frizer’s dagger and struck him in the head; Frizer snatched it back and returned the compliment.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Personalized itineraries While some guests are perfectly happy to lounge by the pool or swim in the ocean, others may want to explore.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 7 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
  • Would any self-respecting show really risk insulting the viewer’s intelligence so flagrantly?
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Tariff anxieties continue to weigh on family office deal-making, which sunk in August by nearly 50% on a year-over-year basis, according to the private wealth intelligence platform.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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