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
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Glickman said carriers have tools to manage short-term overcapacity as needed, including slow steaming, blank sailings or putting vessels on idle.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025
Douglas Gillison and Daniel Wiessner, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Used cars will go up big and auto plants will be idled like mad.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idle
Adjective
Disappearing Messages Users can configure messages to self-delete after a set amount of time, limiting the risk of sensitive conversations sitting idle on a device.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Glickman said carriers have tools to manage short-term overcapacity as needed, including slow steaming, blank sailings or putting vessels on idle.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
In court papers, top CFPB officials have said the agency remains committed to meeting its obligations under the law, rejecting arguments that by idling the majority of the agency's staff and canceling the bulk of its contracts, the Trump administration is violating the law.
—Douglas Gillison and Daniel Wiessner, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Used cars will go up big and auto plants will be idled like mad.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 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 image shows the daddy-son duo lounging on the sofa with Jack’s legs draped over his famous Dad’s.—
Clare Fisher,
People.com,
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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The now vacant patch of land is roughly a mile west of Interstate 35W, within walking distance of a post office, a gas station, a high school and miles of subdivisions.—
Jaime Moore-Carrillo,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2025
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The 27-year-old Ennis (33-0-0-1 with 29 knockouts) won the vacant IBF interim welterweight crown in January 2023 with a unanimous decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Always ensure your criticisms rest on solid research and offer constructive paths forward.—
Jay Ruderman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Pope, 88, left the hospital on March 23 following a 38-day stay and has been advised to rest, with King Charles and Queen Camilla sending him their best wishes.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
8 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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Notably, lawmakers also agreed at the last minute to spend $14 million in federal child care funds that had been allocated to Idaho but remained unused.—
Rachel Cohen,
Vox,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idle. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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