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
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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
Meira Gebel, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
Investigators hired by law firms suing Edison have also focused on an idle transmission tower on the hillside, which has not been used by Edison for more than 50 years but somehow became re-energized.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Their boat was found idling in circles, sparking a massive search.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Adjective
More than $282,000 in grant funding meant for the neighborhoods surrounding the Portland International Raceway has been sitting idle in recent years, a new investigation by the city auditor's office found.
—Meira Gebel, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
Investigators hired by law firms suing Edison have also focused on an idle transmission tower on the hillside, which has not been used by Edison for more than 50 years but somehow became re-energized.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
Used cars will go up big and auto plants will be idled like mad.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Their boat was found idling in circles, sparking a massive search.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idle
Adjective
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While her blood was found inside the vehicle, there was no other trace of her and her bank accounts remained dormant.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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For a true super bloom to occur, a high proportion of seeds that have remained dormant and built up in soil over several years must bloom at once.—
Mae Hamilton,
AFAR Media,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On Facebook, the city government shared images of cracks in the walls of the lazy river, rust in the mechanical room and chipping concrete on a pedestrian bridge.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
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In contrast to Joe Biden, Trump is not a traditional Atlanticist, views many of Washington's security arrangements in Europe as either antiquated or unfair, and tends to scoff at the European theater writ-large as lazy teenagers who take their parent's support for granted.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
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Plenty more will simply be bummed their predictions didn’t pan out.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Alcaraz, who lives his best life at Indian Wells, playing golf on his off days and pummeling his opponent, chalked up the slow start and the loss to having fallen into the trap of thinking too much about his opponent rather than focusing on himself.—
Matthew Futterman,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 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,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The low-slung wood frame just begs to be lounged upon, while the white water-resistant cushions add a clean finish.—
Will Porter,
Architectural Digest,
21 Mar. 2025
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The clip starts with Smith lounging in a Thai hotel swimming pool.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Two other seats were left vacant when Democratic lawmakers died.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2025
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Council members March 25 voted unanimously to rezone a vacant property on the west side of Montgomery for high-intensity mixed-use development, a designation allowing combinations of apartments, hotels and retail spaces.—
Jaime Moore-Carrillo,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Mayor rests on bench at police station after DUI arrest She was later escorted out of the police station to an ambulance.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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The straps: Your straps should rest comfortably on your shoulders without slipping off or digging in.—
Bianca London,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Best Google Assistant Smart Display Photograph: Nena Farrell Google Pixel Tablet $499 $399 at Amazon $399 $279 at Amazon (Tablet Only) $499 at Best Buy $360 at Google Store Smart displays are great in a few different parts of the home, like the kitchen or an entryway, but might go mostly unused.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
26 Mar. 2025
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The extent of unused offices in Washington was highlighted in a December report from Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) office.—
Brady Knox,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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