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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Charismatic slacker Raj and uptight striver Mir aren’t just foils for each other; their mutual love is unmistakable, which gives weight to the looming prospect that the stress of salvaging Baba’s empire could tear them apart.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025 -
When Alyssa's slacker boyfriend steals their rent money, the girls race against the clock to get the funds back to avoid eviction from their dubious landlord, embarking on a series of chaotic escapades across Los Angeles.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The biggest underachievers were Florida State, Appalachian State, Utah and Liberty.—
Chris Vannini,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
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The platoon of quarterbacks is preparing to face a Washington Commanders club that is shaking off their reputation as underachievers with their best season since 1991, the year of their last Super Bowl title.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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When not making phone calls or taking part in a Zoom call, the wearer of the ADAPT E1 can kick back and enjoy some music or a podcast.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
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Warm weather is on its way, and unwinding around swimming pools and fire pits is so much more enjoyable with comfy, sturdy outdoor seating to kick back in.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The low-slung wood frame just begs to be lounged upon, while the white water-resistant cushions add a clean finish.—
Will Porter,
Architectural Digest,
21 Mar. 2025
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The clip starts with Smith lounging in a Thai hotel swimming pool.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Most asteroids hang about in the Mars to Jupiter region, and the ones near Earth obviously hang about a bit closer.—
Dana Taylor,
USA TODAY,
2 Oct. 2024
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The big picture: The nine-block shopping district got its own Art Deco-style sign on Monday, which now hangs about 25 feet in the air over Cary Street by Burtons Grill & Bar.—
Sabrina Moreno,
Axios,
1 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Mayor rests on bench at police station after DUI arrest She was later escorted out of the police station to an ambulance.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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The straps: Your straps should rest comfortably on your shoulders without slipping off or digging in.—
Bianca London,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2025
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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Last year an American startup called Swarm Technologies paid a footling $900,000 fine for sending four tiny satellites into orbit on an Indian rocket, having been denied permission to do so by the US Federal Communications Commission.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
17 July 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 Apr. 2025.
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