as in lounging
to spend time doing nothing
she likes to idle during the summer and recharge herself for the fall semester we idled away the evening relaxing around the campfire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of idling
Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Dec. 2024
Thick swarms of black flies hummed and knocked against the windows of an idling car, while crows and vultures waited nearby — eyeballing the taut and bloated carcasses roasting in the October heat.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024
Dashboard videos also offered few new details, showing police officers idling in patrol cars outside of Robb Elementary.
—Lomi Kriel, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2024
By keeping vehicles moving instead of idling in traffic, motorists would use less gas and carbon emissions would be produced.
—Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024
The erosion of school bus service is causing problems for parents, who have to spend hours of their workdays idling in dropoff lines — an especially difficult task for lower-income parents who are less likely to have flexible schedules or access to remote work.
—Anna North, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Verb
My heartbeat pounded in my ears, drowning out the anticipatory purr of two ambulance engines idling nearby.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Dec. 2024
Thick swarms of black flies hummed and knocked against the windows of an idling car, while crows and vultures waited nearby — eyeballing the taut and bloated carcasses roasting in the October heat.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024
Dashboard videos also offered few new details, showing police officers idling in patrol cars outside of Robb Elementary.
—Lomi Kriel, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2024
By keeping vehicles moving instead of idling in traffic, motorists would use less gas and carbon emissions would be produced.
—Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024
The erosion of school bus service is causing problems for parents, who have to spend hours of their workdays idling in dropoff lines — an especially difficult task for lower-income parents who are less likely to have flexible schedules or access to remote work.
—Anna North, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idling
Verb
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The tropical getaway was filled with memorable moments, including photos of Koa soaking up the sunshine, lounging in the pool in sunglasses that matched his dad’s and posing with his proud parents.Jane LaCroix, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
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The set comes with a pair of wide-leg sweatpants and a matching half-zip sweatshirt, each made from soft, stretchy material that’s great for a variety of activities like lounging around the house or going out for a walk.Clara McMahon, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Gather your hair into a bun, protecting it with a transparent film or shower cap, and apply heat for 2 or 3 minutes, at 15-minute intervals, 2 or 3 times.Ana Morales, Vogue, 8 Dec. 2024
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And then William said to me in the interval, ‘Don’t worry.Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Sleep is self care In a world that values productivity above all else, women often feel guilty about resting or prioritizing well-being.Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024
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One factor to consider, however, which The Athletic’s projection can’t totally factor in yet, is whether the Chiefs would be resting their starters in Week 18.James Boyd, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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As the Lightning enter the NHL’s three-day holiday break, Cooper said playing the Panthers on back-to-back nights was a great team-building opportunity after an early-season schedule that was light on Atlantic Division opponents.Eduardo A. Encina, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
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Thanks for playing — and share your scores in the comments!Mark Cooper, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Audible's format allows listeners to engage with these transformative ideas while commuting, exercising, or relaxing at home.Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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He can be seen relaxing, mingling with locals and waiving to the camera while on a stroll.Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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That very night, British troops heard Germans singing carols and saw decorations poking up from the opposite trenches.Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
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Cast member Bowen Yang appeared dressed as a drone alongside segment host Michael Che, poking fun at the mystery which has left lawmakers and the public demanding answers from government agencies.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near idling
Cite this Entry
“Idling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idling. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
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