as in to kill time
to spend time doing nothing
returned home unannounced and found the au pair goofing off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goof (off)
Noun
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Mattress slackers do have an excuse, however, since some of the newer mattress-in-a-box brands aren't designed to flip.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026 -
Directed by John Hughes, the movie stars Matthew Broderick in the titular role of a high school slacker who plays hooky with his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara).—
Entertainment Weekly,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But Flynn also oozes sniveling self-righteousness while hotly defending and petitioning for childhood innocence (amusing hints emerge that the daughter is a somewhat lazy and dim underachiever).—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2026
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Baltimore Ravens 2025 record: 8-9 Weighted DVOA finish: 13th 2026 over-under win total: 11.5 One of the league’s longtime underachievers, the Ravens are banking on a coaching change to push them back to the Super Bowl.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Just take care of your[self], and veg out.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Jan. 2026
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This set is damn near professional-wear, with a blazer-style top and contrast piping for those who like to veg out with dignity.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Wash the Floor the Right Way Porch floors collect fine dust that gets kicked back into the air every time someone walks across them.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Wash the Floor the Right Way Porch floors collect fine dust that gets kicked back into the air if you only dry sweep.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The outdoor offerings—which often include boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, golfing, and lounging on the shores with a good lake book—are great ways to spend newly free hours on weekdays and weekends.—
Carolanne Griffith Roberts,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This library nook offers a place to lounge and curl up with a favorite book.—
Lacey Howard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
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Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area.—
Kristin Braswell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel, but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
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The whole security architecture rests on those layers.—
Shane Harris,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Get our daily newsletter Yet Mr Schwarzman avoids footling with life’s foot-soldiers for a reason.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
19 Sep. 2019
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Cite this Entry
“Goof (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof%20%28off%29. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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