laze

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb laze differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of laze are idle, loaf, loll, and lounge. While all these words mean "to spend time doing nothing," laze usually implies the relaxation of a busy person enjoying a vacation or moments of leisure.

lazed about between appointments

When is idle a more appropriate choice than laze?

The words idle and laze 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

When can loaf be used instead of laze?

The synonyms loaf and laze are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would loll be a good substitute for laze?

In some situations, the words loll and laze are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is it sensible to use lounge instead of laze?

While in some cases nearly identical to laze, 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 laze Under the pleasant drip of a fire hydrant, about three dozen goldfish are lazing around in a sidewalk aquarium that doubles as a piece of public art. Matt Stieb, Curbed, 8 Aug. 2024 Visitors can laze on its sandy beaches, a rarity on the rocky Costa Brava shoreline, or explore its secret coves, which is best done by Llaüt, a traditional fishing boat, or on foot along the Cami de Ronda, a gorgeous coastal trail. Kelley Manley, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2024 May 15, 2023 There is nothing quite like lazing on a European beach in summer. Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2023 As the name suggests, those kinds of power naps are reminiscent of the ways our feline friends seem to laze and doze their entire days away. Discover Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laze 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laze
Verb
  • Stormy skies and a roiling sea kept us from lounging on beaches or splashing in the water.
    Devon Fredericksen, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Think comfy camisole and cute French knickers, the collection is perfect for lounging (or dancing) around your living room in.
    Angela Lei, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In these latter clips, Callas is kind of goofing off, relaxing, letting her hair down.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Discover world-class shopping, indulge in exquisite food and beverages, relax in the waterfront precincts, and experience an array of events and theatre productions.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The unresolved question hanging between him and his father has chilled their relationship.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The suit filed Saturday in U.S. District Court asks that a federal judge prohibit ICE, its acting head and the acting secretary of Homeland Security from conducting immigration raids in Chicago when the intention of the raids chills free speech.
    Peter Breen, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, Jokic strolled to the huddle expressionless after Aaron Gordon embraced him and Ball Arena erupted.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Pick up permits to visit or camp in the state park, stroll through a 2-acre desert garden, explore an expansive interpretive exhibit that covers the history, geology, and culture of the surrounding area, or buy a souvenir in the gift shop.
    Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • When he himself isn’t bummed out, Scott Avett (who flew to New York to be with the cast and crew during its final week) remains philosophical.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Expecting to see spikes in seasonal affective disorder, Dr. Leibowitz was shocked to learn that Nordic people weren’t all that bummed out by the long, dark, and extreme winters.
    Julia Ries, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The film is a lolling, ruminating afternoon bathed in sunlight and plaintive reflection as Peter vividly recalls interactions with names that will be familiar to you, like Susan Sontag, and other intellectuals and creators of the period.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025
  • At the other end of the sofa, the old woman was sleeping with her head lolling to one side.
    Samanta Schweblin, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • About 3 million workers were idled, and recovery has been mediocre at best.
    Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Hospitals are shutting their obstetrics units, and companies that sold baby formula are idling factories.
    Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, Spurs dawdled during negotiations and, in the end, Slot stayed with the Dutch club for another season before joining Liverpool.
    Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Once again, the Packers — who still had two timeouts — diddled and dawdled and didn’t run another play until there were just 16 seconds left in the half.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near laze

Cite this Entry

“Laze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laze. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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