LOAFING Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

loafing 1 of 3

adjective

as in lounging

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Dissimilar Words

loafing

2 of 3

noun

as in lolling

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Dissimilar Words

loafing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of loaf

as in idling

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 loafing

Noun

The researchers concluded that at least one of the keys to preventing social loafing is restoring individual responsibility within a group. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026

Verb

Martin removed his right fielder for loafing on a ball hit to the outfield. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 Kids who used to run to the field excited to play, suddenly started loafing to the field wearing their crocs with their heads buried in their phones. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 The pair had been loafing for some time among a grove of apple trees on a private residence in Payson. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Within a few moments, an antlerless deer emerged, loafing along toward Ronnie, completely unalarmed. — Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loafing

Adjective

Signs of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting and drooling, being weak or lethargic, bright red gums and bloodshot eyes.

— Renee Anderson, CBS News, 29 June 2026
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator Always contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the turtle appears injured, such as having a cracked shell, or seems lethargic or sick.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026

Definition of lethargic

Noun

Dotted with palm trees, the wraparound yard hosts a large swimming pool with a Baja shelf and a spillover spa, along with several spots ideal for alfresco lounging and entertaining.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
These jelly slides are perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, and everyday wear.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026

Definition of lounging

Verb

Video of the confrontation appears to show Nelson idling in a snowy strip mall parking lot in his gray Dodge Ram when another driver in an even larger pickup pulls in beside him.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
One aspect that contributed to the gridlock was a number of Waymo's self-driving robotaxis idling on the road as traffic officials tried to remedy the halt in traffic.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of idling

Noun

The pup, named Eba, appeared immune to being rushed and trotted behind at the farthest extent of her leash, tongue lolling, black eyes squinting in the afternoon sun.

— Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
After a few days of snorkeling and beach-lolling, the view from our helicopter transfer to the Miavana resort on the island of Nosy Ankao just off Madagascar’s northeast, painted an alarmingly different picture.

— Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025

Definition of lolling

Verb

The sense of just how much there is to do in this part of the world—the length of the scale between lazing and becoming ultra-active—is palpable.

— Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
Its clear, shallow waters were pleasant to wade into after lazing under one of the scrubby trees on the sand.

— Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025

Definition of lazing

Adjective

Over the past three years, Devo have dramatically upped their touring activity after being mostly inactive between 2015 and 2023.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
Uvalde County also reported its first case, bringing the total number of Texas cases to 28, with 22 active and 6 inactive.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of inactive

Verb

The platform is also designed to support those who run resting orders, trades that don't execute until certain prices are met, the memo said.

— Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Eagle-eyed commenters noted that a hand that was previously resting on Norris’ hip is no longer there.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Definition of resting

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loafers

loafing

loafs

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“Loafing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loafing. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of loafing

adjective

noun

verb

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