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
-
On great banners overhead, the Jaguars' lank-haired quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, looks on impassively, his vibe somewhere between ’90s skate slacker and chisel-jawed jock.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026 -
Our unnamed protagonist, a slacker with a goatee, is no protester.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And he is viewed as an underachiever.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The difference in the case of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys is that many of its students, grades 4 through 8, arrive at the school as underachievers but receive the type of support that prepares them to be college and career-ready.—
Walter Fields,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Just take care of your[self], and veg out.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Jan. 2026
-
This set is damn near professional-wear, with a blazer-style top and contrast piping for those who like to veg out with dignity.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Before or after a treatment, kick back in the crystal room, or unwind further in the sauna, steam pool, or indoor plunge pool.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Kutsenko, 31, steps outside into the freezing night, switches on a large rectangular generator and the power kicks back in.—
Kamila Hrabchuk,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Another attractive feature is the chair’s subtly oversized seat that’s ideal for lounging or reading.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The soft, lightweight fabric is super breathable, maximizing your lounging comfort.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area.—
Kristin Braswell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The hot air just hangs about, causing the dish to cook unevenly with some spots nearly raw and others burnt.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Seahawks used a first-round bye to rest, heal and prepare, and then routed the 49ers in a divisional-round game before beating the Rams, 31-27, to advance to the Super Bowl.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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There have been no such incidents this year, but there has been plenty of on-court drama that only international team tennis — with home and away ties, and a slot just after a Grand Slam that sees many nations’ top stars resting — can provide.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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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Cite this Entry
“Goof (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof%20%28off%29. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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