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
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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
Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
That move frees up a ton of formerly idle deposits for lending on everything from car loans to data centers.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Swarms of cars and vans come and go from both sides; idling buses advertise destinations as far-flung as Lima or Santiago or Mendoza.
—Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idle
Adjective
Don Lemon – Just earlier this month, the good brother Don was minding his Black business covering an ICE protest when Nicki’s idle fingers started insulting the broadcast journalist on social media.
—Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
That move frees up a ton of formerly idle deposits for lending on everything from car loans to data centers.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
In February 2023, Stellantis idled the assembly plant near Rockford and laid off its last 1,200 workers after halting production of the Cherokee amid dwindling sales.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Swarms of cars and vans come and go from both sides; idling buses advertise destinations as far-flung as Lima or Santiago or Mendoza.
—Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idle
Adjective
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The Americans ignited a rivalry with Canada that had long been dormant aside from competitive play on the ice.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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Nigerian energy companies have ramped up oil production over the past year as the government intensifies its efforts to restart dormant refineries and monetize untapped gas reserves.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Chef Velázquez recommends this sandy destination to get together with family and friends for a lazy day at the beach.—
Lauren Sanchez,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
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The destination features the Loco Waterpark, the world’s longest lazy river and seven distinct neighborhoods.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Then Jason and Thor shower together, each lathering the other’s back and bums up with fewer orgasms than an old Herbal Essences commercial.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Feb. 2026
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Rittenhouse admits to initially being bummed out to not be the murderer, only to quickly come around to preferring this outcome.—
Derek Lawrence,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Though no date has been set, the Dodgers will play three games in Washington from April 3 to 5, with an off day April 2 following a six-game homestand to open the season.—
Ed Guzman,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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Both companies are known for their off-Loop musicals and are longtime favorites of the all-volunteer Joseph Jefferson Awards committee.—
Doug George,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Here for a romantic getaway, my husband and I stayed in the luxurious Kalinago king suite overlooking the ocean, with a private patio perfect for just-the-two-of-us lounging.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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The sunny spot is lined with butterfly-friendly landscaping, features space to lounge or dine, and is shaded by scalloped umbrellas that would look at home on a stylish beachside resort.—
Joyce Chen,
Architectural Digest,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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City officials hope to reverse that trend by revitalizing the downtown area, from attracting businesses to vacant storefronts to developing unused city sites, such as the corner lot burdened with the remains of Hotel Marysville, which was destroyed by fire in 2024.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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As the luxury building sat vacant, taggers armed with spray paint flocked there, hoping to leave a colorful mark on the city skyline.—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
Adjective
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Soon thereafter, a gear fishing pal of yours gifted you an old, unused fly rod, and that totally grabs a hold of you and completely directs the rest of your life.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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Since then, the motel has sat unused even as the city’s new mayor, Mike Johnston, has bought or leased other hotels around the city and quickly moved in people off the streets.—
Thomas Gounley,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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