LOAF Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

loaf 1 of 2

verb

Definition of loaf

as in to bum

to spend time doing nothing the kind of sultry August afternoon that makes you just want to loaf

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

loaf

2 of 2

noun

British slang

as in skull

Related Words

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

This is the clearest sign that the entire loaf should be discarded. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 23 Sep. 2026 The first attempt resulted in one gigantic loaf that oozed over the sides of a cookie sheet and onto the bottom of the oven. — Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf

Verb

The joy Lisa has with her RHUGT cast compared with the dread her RHOSLC cast seems to bring her really bums me out — especially because of how much of this trip is championing the sisterhood of Housewives.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of bum

Noun

The fragment, which comes from the rear of the skull, had a distinctive combination of features that researchers linked to the megaraptorans.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
A shot to her back and a bullet grazing her skull led to medical complications and her ultimate retirement from the Army.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of skull

Verb

They were laid to rest at Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs’ Cemetery in the city previously known as Saigon.

— Aniruddha Ghosal, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
However, with each Champions League victory crucial to progressing toward the next round, neither would want to rest their big guns, either.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rest

Noun

Studies have shown greater gray matter density or stronger white matter integrity in bilingual people, compared with people who speak one language.

— Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Unlike during puberty and pregnancy, the menopausal transition—the moment the body is going through menopause—doesn’t appear linked to an overall decrease in cortical gray matter volume.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of gray matter

Noun

Up until 1950, Señorita Rio uses her expert marksmanship, fencing skills, and keen intellect to fight Axis powers across South America.

— Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Tony has led at the highest levels of government, respected for his intellect, strategic vision and ability to bring people together around bold, forward-looking ideas.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of intellect

Verb

In one mirror selfie, Hurley lounged on a bed with her bare legs on display, holding up her phone as the oversized ring sparkled on her finger.

— Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
At the stern, the line’s signature ocean lounge is fitted with fold-out terraces that open to create an expansive waterside area for lounging or watersports.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of lounge

Noun

Reuters reported, citing a cyber threat intelligence analyst, that Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany, and Belgium were affected.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
Denmark's defense intelligence service specifically warned Russia could use such tactics to split the NATO alliance.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Browse Nearby Words

load up on

loaf

loafed

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“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of loaf

verb

noun

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