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

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
She is seen going over the shots planned for the next day and remembering that some loafing around is planned. Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Oct. 2025 Martin removed his right fielder for loafing on a ball hit to the outfield. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
Our favorite layer cake also happens to make an excellent loaf cake. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 July 2026 People have been starving for months, and Rhaenyra just handed someone a half-loaf of sourdough and four apples. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • My conversation partner returned, somehow unable to bum even a single cigarette from anyone at this party.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026
  • I'mPhaedra Trethan, bummed out to hear one of my favorite baseball announcers has been let go in a round of ESPN layoffs.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The themes are about honor and destiny; there are massively violent battle scenes; one character ends up with the entire back half of his skull bashed in.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Court records indicate he was diagnosed with a skull fracture and a brain bleed, necessitating emergency surgery.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Razon, not one to rest on his success, is pressing ahead with the expansion of his port and energy interests at home and beyond.
    Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Situated comfortably outside the Charlotte Hornets’ locker room, resting in a folding chair following an individual workout, Naz Reid recalls the moment.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Research shows that drops in hormones actually shrink the volume of gray matter in a woman’s hippocampus and frontal and temporal cortices, which are key for memory and executive function.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 July 2026
  • The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
    Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • This two-piece set was particularly designed for lounging and getting things done alike.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Laughing, smoking cigarettes, and sipping bottles of Red Stripe, numerous packs of Black folks lounged around the joint.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Our embodied experience often notices shifts before our intellect explains them.
    Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Temilola Adeoye, a comedian, writer and content creator in New York City,attributes this behavior to shortcomings in intellect and literacy — or to a desire to have one’s intellect validated by others.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 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
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended the military strikes, saying at a Senate hearing in June that the Defense Department determined the strikes' legality and based its decisions on intelligence information.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • So that expedited growth also reflects Simmons’ drive and intelligence — among other traits that animate the athleticism of his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and powerful left throwing arm.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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