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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar 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

Matthes, an ecologist who works with Friends of the Koala, grew up naming the koalas that loafed around in her backyard. —

Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 17 June 2024 Days here can start with a character breakfast and a five-minute motor coach ride to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot; or can just as easily be filled loafing around the resort’s own 18-hole golf course, spa, and five-acre water park with slides, a splash zone, lazy river, and an adults-only pool. —

Nina Kokotas Hahn, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2023

Noun

Until as recently as the 1950s, locals ate loaves contaminated by a rye fungus called ergot, the base ingredient of LSD. —

Oscar Holland, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 Beautiful burnished loaves of levain, whole wheat, and glazed pastries like pistachio 'escargot' and sticky buns, prompt delicious confusion over what to order. —

Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for loaf

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf

Verb

When he himself isn’t bummed out, Scott Avett (who flew to New York to be with the cast and crew during its final week) remains philosophical.

— David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
Expecting to see spikes in seasonal affective disorder, Dr. Leibowitz was shocked to learn that Nordic people weren’t all that bummed out by the long, dark, and extreme winters.

— Julia Ries, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025