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Definitions

idly

[ahyd-lee] / ˈaɪd li /
ADVERB
lazily
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He now spends the long hours idly scrolling through his phone or chatting with neighbours.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Maybe it is plainly shameful to sit idly by, waiting for the police to peel back more layers of abominable detail, so it can be quickly disseminated to a hungry audience.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

Unseasonably high temperatures even left the impressive array of high-tech artificial-snow makers below mostly useless, their fans spinning idly in the warm breeze.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

He said the directive to his troops is clear to “not stand idly by, and do everything in your power to prevent any act of nationalist crime.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

She wandered in and out of the low buildings, idly touching necklaces and postcards.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart




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