loafing 1 of 3

adjective

as in lounging

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loafing

2 of 3

noun

as in lolling

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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
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 Martin removed his right fielder for loafing on a ball hit to the outfield. — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loafing
  1. lethargic
  2. lounging
  3. idling
  4. loitering
  5. lolling
  6. lazing
  7. inactive
  8. resting
Adjective
  • The stars have grown lethargic and limp, with lesions spread across their bodies, their arms falling off or disintegrating.
    — Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The national committee has faced a host of criticism from other Democrats for its lethargic fundraising, including calls for DNC Chair Ken Martin to step down that have so far gone unheeded.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of lethargic
Noun
  • Of course, all that lounging can leave behind fur, dirt, drool, and lingering odors.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Aside from the Nordic saunas and pools, there are dedicated rooms for silent lounging and treatment rooms using all-natural products.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lounging
Verb
  • Companies across the industry have been idling facilities, with Suntory pausing production at one of Jim Beam’s three Kentucky distilleries to upgrade the site while demand is low.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Diesel engine idling and high-risk industrial activity across the street from homes and parks would bring air, noise and light pollution.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of idling
Adjective
  • Some victim advocates say human trafficking along Figueroa has escalated since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rollback of anti-loitering laws.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of loitering
Noun
  • The buck, tongue lolling, looked exhausted from chasing and breeding his doe.
    — Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Rookie guard Vega Ioane was inactive Sunday with a knee injury.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The entire secondary had an up-and-down game against the Seahawks, and Muhammad was inactive with a toe injury.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of inactive
Verb
  • Attorneys representing James Barbier, the now-elderly Missouri man charged with first-degree murder in the 1966 stabbing death of 18-year-old Karen Snider in Calumet City, declined to call any witnesses before resting their case Friday.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Prosecutors introduced evidence and testimony over about 4 ½ days before resting their case.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of resting

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loafers
loafing
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Cite this Entry

“Loafing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loafing. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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