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
-
If the slacker continues to underproduce, look for a replacement.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026 -
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
Noun
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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
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Studies have shown how lead particles that fell to the ground were kicked back up into the air again where people could inhale them, along with other contaminants.—
Armin Sorooshian,
The Conversation,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Cammeray All-Weather Wicker Outdoor Sofa with Cushion The anchor for most outdoor spaces is a welcoming sofa, and the streamlined Cammeray offers a comfortable place to kick back and relax without looking too heavy or bulky for a patio or garden.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And for those who want to lounge and nap as much as possible, Costa Rica has plenty of all-inclusive resorts that are conducive to complete relaxation.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Amenities include lush landscaped areas, pools, spas, lounging areas, a pavilion and 14 private boat slips.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Both teams were shorthanded with eight players on each side ruled out due to injuries – or rest in the case of Kyle Filipowski, a 22-year-old forward who played 25 minutes two nights earlier in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
16 Mar. 2026
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Much of the progress toward eliminating sleeping sickness rests on the work of African researchers and patients who took part in the trials, despite difficult conditions.—
Fran Kritz,
NPR,
16 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 2026.
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