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
Rebecca Robbins, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
These men would have long periods of time being idle, and the contrast between boredom and peril is pretty extreme.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Sitting in his idling pickup one afternoon, Sherlock watched as a Canadian Pacific train rumbled by the grain elevator in the small town of Wimbledon.
—Kirk Siegler, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Adjective
Some sites still make generic drugs, with idle capacity that might be able to be repurposed.
—Rebecca Robbins, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
These men would have long periods of time being idle, and the contrast between boredom and peril is pretty extreme.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Residents were advised to limit driving and reduce emissions-generating activities like idling in drive-thru lanes.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Sitting in his idling pickup one afternoon, Sherlock watched as a Canadian Pacific train rumbled by the grain elevator in the small town of Wimbledon.
—Kirk Siegler, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idle
Adjective
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Instead of coddling grass with irrigation and fertilizer to prevent it from going dormant, embrace this natural response.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Apr. 2025
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This allows the rooted cutting a full growing season to develop before becoming dormant in the winter.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The natural hot springs and spa are favorites among the more mature crowd, and the indoor pool, two-acre water park (complete with waterslide and a lazy river), and lawn games appeal to younger generations.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2025
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And, being just 20 minutes from Athens’ city center, the hotel is perfectly positioned for both lazy beach days and quick jaunts to the Acropolis.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fans were still bummed that he was reassigned to minor-league camp.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2025
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For more on Nintendo Switch 2, check out our Switch 2 game wishlist and learn why we’ll be bummed if Switch 2 lacks these features.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
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Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The plan also includes an education center and a café and lounge open to the street.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2025
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Now the steps have planters with juniper bushes on top for aesthetics — and to keep fans from lounging there.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In her next fight, Shevchenko faced ex-women’s strawweight champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the vacant flyweight title.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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And several blocks of tunnel below Chinatown, dug half a century ago for the Second Avenue subway, remain a vacant, unseen taunt.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After the funeral, Benedict was laid to rest in the Vatican Grottoes, in the same tomb that once held Pope John Paul II before his canonization.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
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No pope has been laid to rest at the site since the 17th century, when Pope Clement IX was buried there, per CBS News.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Any unused bonus will expire after seven days. 21+ and present in participating states.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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Cards will be loaded with $22 per day, and any unused amount will be forfeited at the end of the day with no rollover.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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