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
That said, if your needs are modest—slicing a soft sandwich loaf or cutting through a baguette—it'll do the job without complaint. Jamie Thilman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees and continue baking until the loaf is golden brown and firm, about 20 minutes more. Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • On March 17, a video obtained by TMZ showed LaBeouf in a hotel lobby in Rome, Italy, wearing only his underwear and trying to bum a light for a cigarette.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Spring cleaning bumming you out?
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • When the three-level altar was excavated from the test pit, the project archaeologists discovered four human skulls abutting the monument, along with several long bones, which are believed to be femurs.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Three victims, ages 65 to 84, sustained non-life-threatening injuries including lacerations to the head and face and a fractured skull.
    Julie Walker, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And the profession’s appeal rests on a tension that The Pitt doesn’t shy away from.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The optics surrounding Denver’s decision to rest all five starters Friday and four of them Sunday were suspicious.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 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
  • Jonathan is standing over Coach, who is lounging in a hammock like a bruised banana that is too good to touch the counter.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2026
  • As soon as it was delivered (with matching ottoman), our team was fighting each other off for a chance to lounge in the Bun chair.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ball will play the middle son, Cary, who inherited his mom’s razor-sharp wit and intellect.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Regardless of their work ethic, intellect and creativity, capital has always exploited them but never been willing to partner with them.
    Jacob Walthour, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 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
  • The military had recourse to Claude via a drop-down menu in a workflow package, the Maven Smart System, which gathers, synthesizes, and streamlines intelligence.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The package includes long-range strike drones, intelligence and reconnaissance drones, logistics drones and maritime capabilities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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