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

Examples of loaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Progressed from loafing here and there with scant dollars in my pocket, to swaggering to and fro with a bankroll swelling my sock. Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023 For loafing around town, this entry-level Sport-Leicht from Mercedes offers all the looks of its pricier siblings while delivering a fine drive, though that satisfaction can drop when it’s driven like it was stolen. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2023
Noun
The Weeknd used his XO Humanitarian Fund to pledge $2 million, enough to produce more than 18 million loaves of bread, to feed families in Gaza in April. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2024 Likewise, a loaf of wheat bread is now $0.80 more to about $2.69 and a pound of ground beef is up $1.62 to $5.50. Rob Wile, NBC News, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loaf 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loaf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near loaf

Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.

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