1
as in dormant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
the car was idle for two weeks while they went on vacation the company's competitors have not been idle in developing rival products
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lazy
not easily aroused to action or work
an idle employee who always seems to be either on break or at lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to lazy
to spend time doing nothing
she likes to idle during the summer and recharge herself for the fall semester we idled away the evening relaxing around the campfire
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idle
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Glickman said carriers have tools to manage short-term overcapacity as needed, including slow steaming, blank sailings or putting vessels on idle.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Their boat was found idling in circles, sparking a massive search.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Adjective
Disappearing Messages Users can configure messages to self-delete after a set amount of time, limiting the risk of sensitive conversations sitting idle on a device.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Glickman said carriers have tools to manage short-term overcapacity as needed, including slow steaming, blank sailings or putting vessels on idle.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
Used cars will go up big and auto plants will be idled like mad.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Their boat was found idling in circles, sparking a massive search.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idle
Adjective
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Similarly, a fractional COO could focus on scaling operations during a rapid growth phase and lay dormant during less operationally challenging times.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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The real culprits, of course, are those bio-raptors who have a severe allergic reaction to light, and (much like certain species of cicada) have lain dormant for years on end.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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For those who prefer a little more structure to their days, the resort has all kinds of other tricks up its sleeve, including an expansive waterpark featuring a lazy river, several waterslides, and adults-only pools surrounded by cabanas and day beds.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2025
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Attractions include a one-acre wave pool, lazy river, and Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world.—
Carly Caramanna,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fans were still bummed that he was reassigned to minor-league camp.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2025
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For more on Nintendo Switch 2, check out our Switch 2 game wishlist and learn why we’ll be bummed if Switch 2 lacks these features.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
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Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Adorned with crocheted edges and festive tassels, this sunny hammock will be the best place to lounge on a lazy afternoon or stargaze on clear summer nights.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2025
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Named for Joséphine Bonaparte, the first wife of Napoleon, who was known for her sophisticated sense of fashion and patronage of the arts, this first-floor suite has a king-size bed, a separate dressing room, and a living area perfect for lounging around.—
Meredith Lepore,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The 27-year-old Ennis (33-0-0-1 with 29 knockouts) won the vacant IBF interim welterweight crown in January 2023 with a unanimous decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The now vacant patch of land is roughly a mile west of Interstate 35W, within walking distance of a post office, a gas station, a high school and miles of subdivisions.—
Jaime Moore-Carrillo,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Always ensure your criticisms rest on solid research and offer constructive paths forward.—
Jay Ruderman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Pope, 88, left the hospital on March 23 following a 38-day stay and has been advised to rest, with King Charles and Queen Camilla sending him their best wishes.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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All unused animal parts—from hooves to stomachs—are composted, turning waste into nutrient-rich soil instead of sending it to landfills.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
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Here’s how to uninstall unused apps: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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