loaf 1 of 2

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

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
The 80-pound loaf of bread masquerading as pizza out of Chicago at Lou Malnati’s or Pizzeria Uno is not to be confused with the crisp and caramelized, crusty wonders out of Detroit. David Weiss, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Sara Lee Bread Half Loaves Sara Lee Bread Half Loaves are perfectly sized for smaller households with 12 slices per loaf. Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loaf
Verb
  • Clyde has said that he’ll be devastated to leave his playoff booth duties behind, and local Knicks supporters who hang on his every word for six months each year are equally bummed at the prospect.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025
  • If you’re bummed out that your hot, famous wife makes a lot of money at work, that sounds like a personal problem to me!
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Meet the hiker bringing off-roading wheelchairs to L.A. More big stories Forensic testing links skull remains to Northern California woman missing since 1987.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
  • Flying enemies zip around above, some hurling ghostly skulls at you, others wielding annoyingly long whips.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The student's friends took her to a nearby apartment to rest after the fall, not realizing the severity of her injuries.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • Here are six appealing hotels for families looking for a fun and stylish place in Paris to rest their heads.
    Celeste Moure, AFAR Media, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Prior research has indicated caffeine consumption may be associated with acute reductions in gray matter volume.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025
  • One particular question the researchers wanted to answer was whether the influence of caffeine on gray matter was a result of the drug’s effect on sleep, as it has been shown that sleep deprivation or disruption can lead to acute reductions in gray matter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Expect loafers, sandals, and football boots, all designed to evoke the spirit of travel—whether that’s lounging poolside or exploring city streets.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • Hollies No one wants to run into a spiky holly bush while lounging in a bathing suit.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • The musician is a walking satire of downtown presumptions—and his ferocious intellect turns out to be all business, too.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 May 2025
  • Profound wisdom lives in your most receptive, quiet thoughts so your intuition can guide you where intellect sometimes can’t.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 2 May 2025
Verb
  • And while humans tend to veg out on the couch, canines typically only watch for short periods.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Making the choice to be social is especially difficult at the end of an exhausting day when your impulse may be to veg out on the couch.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • Leverage sales intelligence tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to gather insights.
    Besnik Vrellaku, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • The advisor sees the president first thing in the morning for the daily intelligence briefing and leaves after the president retires for the evening, but remains on call around the clock.
    Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loaf. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loaf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!