loaf 1 of 2

loaf

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noun

British slang

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

Examples 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
Progressed from loafing here and there with scant dollars in my pocket, to swaggering to and fro with a bankroll swelling my sock. Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023 For loafing around town, this entry-level Sport-Leicht from Mercedes offers all the looks of its pricier siblings while delivering a fine drive, though that satisfaction can drop when it’s driven like it was stolen. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2023
Noun
People have to be able to walk across the street and buy a loaf a bread without being shot. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 For nearly half of the retail price, this non-stick, toxin-free set includes the Always Pan, Mini Always Pan, Perfect Pot, Mini Perfect Pot, large griddle pain, main bake, side bake, loaf pan, and large oven mat. Quincy Bulin, Parents, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loaf 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Usher, Coming Home This is Usher’s best album since 2004’s Confessions, and I’m bummed that more people haven’t listened to it.
    Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
  • A lot of environmentalists are bummed—even scared—about the results of the recent presidential election.
    Kristin Hostetter, Outside Online, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Instead of popping the burrow out of the surrounding rock, Lovelace’s hammer shattered the rock and revealed the skull of a small animal.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Two more partial skulls, one in New Zealand and one in Chile, later enabled scientists to confirm a brand-new species.
    Lex Harvey, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The perfectly roasted duck, over rice or noodles, is expertly deboned with luscious meat and soft chewy skin and fat in every bite.
    Andy Wang, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Great options include rice, polenta, mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower, couscous, quinoa, bulger or other grains or egg noodles.
    Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • However, there are still three more weeks left this season, and with Detroit defenders getting injured at an alarming rate, the Eagles or Vikings could wind up being the NFC team resting the first week of the playoffs while the Lions will have to fend off a wild-card foe.
    Austin Mock, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The San Rafael reservoir rests above the city and is replenished by water collected in the country’s páramos––a high-alpine ecosystem known for its nearly constant moisture; as of April, when the rationing began, the reservoir was at less than 20 percent capacity.
    Elizabeth Rush, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The key is to cultivate safe ways to maintain social interactions in order to enhance the brain’s gray matter and amp up career creativity and stamina.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Results showed that cardio risk factors — along with higher levels of abdominal and visceral fat — were associated with lower brain gray matter volume throughout the cerebral cortex in both men and women.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Gym People leggings feature thick, stretchy fabric that’s great for workouts, lounging, or running errands.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The four spend their leisurely days lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails and basking in the sun: a postcard ready image of what a multi-ethnic French family can look like.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Maybe the judge presiding will have the courage and intellect to break up this cesspool of crime.
    Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
  • His speech emphasized the group’s groundbreaking fusion of jazz and soul within hip-hop, showing that authenticity and intellect could seamlessly blend with coolness.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Plus: What better way for locals to veg out during a stressful election season than with some grade-A on-screen drama?
    Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 19 Sep. 2024
  • This isn't only a place to veg out, though.
    Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near loaf

Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on loaf

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