loafing 1 of 3

adjective

as in lounging

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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
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 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
  • The show was also horribly paced, with way too many pointless instrumental spotlights that somehow managed to come across as both showy and lethargic at the same time.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of lethargic
Noun
  • There’s plenty of intimate bars and lounges, and outdoor space - not just for viewing wildlife or lounging, but also for swimming in an infinity pool or soaking in one of four hot tubs (two by the cool outdoor Sky Bar).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Featuring various zones of native vegetation alongside bougainvillea and jacarandas, the park is dotted with generous public seating and has an amphitheater for outdoor events or general lounging.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of lounging
Verb
  • 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
  • And Rovell quickly discovered Kobe’s mind was incapable of idling, even during dead-of-night text exchanges.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 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 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
  • Neither Brents nor Miller were listed among inactive players announced by the team 90 minutes prior to kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Wide receiver Xavier Legette was inactive with a knee injury.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of inactive
Verb
  • That first reactor is already resting at a shipyard, ready for installation into the ship’s hull.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The evidence Before resting their case, prosecutors said evidence showed that Kosowski had become obsessed with Cozzi.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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