LAZY Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lazy' distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words indolent and slothful are common synonyms of lazy . While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble. // take-out foods for lazy cooks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'indolent' instead of 'lazy'?

Although the words indolent and lazy have much in common, indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity. // the heat made us indolent

Q: When might 'slothful' be a better fit than 'lazy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lazy , slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for. // fired for being slothful about filling orders

lazy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈlā-zē

Definition of lazy next

as in idle

not easily aroused to action or work the lazy dog just wanted to lie on the couch all day and sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention that cookbook author can be lazy about giving cooking times and temperatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lazy

2 of 2

verb

as in to bum

to spend time doing nothing a good afternoon to spend lazying on the back porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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lazy people

unmotivated people

sluggish people

idle people

unproductive people

slothful people

lazy days

leisurely days

easygoing days

slumberous days

sleepy days

lethargic days

a lazy evaluation

a sloppy evaluation

an imprecise evaluation

a poor evaluation

an insufficient evaluation

an inefficient evaluation

a lazy dog

an inactive dog

a sluggish dog

a lethargic dog

an idle dog

a sleepy dog

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lazy distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words indolent and slothful are common synonyms of lazy. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

When is it sensible to use indolent instead of lazy?

Although the words indolent and lazy have much in common, indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

When might slothful be a better fit than lazy?

While in some cases nearly identical to lazy, slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

Examples 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 lazy

Adjective

Their newest establishment is our top off-mountain pick for daily brunch (a great start to any lazy ski day) and Thursday–Saturday evening fare. —

Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024 The retailer’s main deals hub is bursting with can’t-miss savings on cozy sweaters for date night, winter travel, lazy days at home, and everything in between. —

Emily Weaver, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024 On lazy days, there’s plenty of room to roll up the doors, admire the lake, and take a nap. —

Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 Come From Co-Workers: Poll Map Shows Smartest States in America Over 20 Percent of Gen Z Health Care Workers May Leave Industry How Trump's Tariffs Could Impact Thanksgiving Dinner Prices Despite this, Gen Z has often had a bad reputation in the workforce as lazy or even toxic. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lazy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lazy

Adjective

For years the mine has been idle, waiting for depressed uranium markets to pick up.

Dylan Baddour, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024
By adjusting traffic signals and rerouting vehicles, cities and highly congested areas are able to see immediate improvement and reduce bottlenecks and idle time.

Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024