loaf 1 of 2

Definition of loafnext

loaf

2 of 2

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

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
Martin’s film features a cast which could be the louche descendants of expat bohemians loafing in Saint-​Tropez a century ago. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 16 May 2025 Commenters debated whether certain dog breeds were more prone to loafing and stretching in this way. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
In the TikTok that followed, Carpenter leaned into the mistake, deciding to mix an entire loaf using the Sprite-fed starter rather than discard it. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 Fresh from the oven, the still-warm loaves had a shatteringly crisp crust and a pillowy crumb, truly an addictive eat. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • On March 17, a video obtained by TMZ showed LaBeouf in a hotel lobby in Rome, Italy, wearing only his underwear and trying to bum a light for a cigarette.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Spring cleaning bumming you out?
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • One young man, his shirt off and loosely draped around his neck along with a Santa Muerte necklace, sports tattoos of a Kalashnikov rifle and a flaming skull, regarding the camera with bedroom eyes.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The hat would activate a blueberry-sized device implanted in your skull that sends a pulse of electricity into your brain.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • The whole security architecture rests on those layers.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The gray matter in our brains as early teenagers is actually the fullest of our lives.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
    Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • 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
Noun
  • Though an unabashedly liberal Democrat, Hart commanded respect from lawmakers of both parties for his intellect, decency and grit.
    John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Propaganda was the art that conveyed—through emotions and even spirituality, not intellect—the all-encompassing ideology that ruled one’s life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Just take care of your[self], and veg out.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Charles is expected to talk about the defense, intelligence and security ties the countries have shared for decades.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Belarus’ presidential press service said the negotiations had involved intelligence services from seven countries.
    Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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