In English, expressing how we spend time is a common part of everyday conversation. But using the same phrase repeatedly can get boring. Expanding your vocabulary and learning different ways to say “spend time” can make your speech and writing more dynamic. This article will introduce you to 40 synonyms for “spend time” that will help you communicate more effectively, whether you’re in a casual chat or a professional setting.
What is Another Word for Spend Time
If you’re wondering, “What is another word for spend time?” the answer is, there are many! The English language offers a variety of ways to say it, depending on the situation. Whether you’re hanging out with friends, working on a project, or traveling, there’s a synonym to fit every scenario. In this guide, we’ll explore 40 synonyms to help you broaden your vocabulary.
Categories of Synonyms for Spend Time
Different situations call for different words. Here’s a breakdown of synonyms you can use based on the context:
Casual or Relaxing Contexts
- Hang out
- Chill
- Lounge
- Kick back
- Take it easy
- Unwind
Example: “We decided to hang out at the park for a while.”
Productive or Constructive Contexts
- Invest time
- Devote time
- Engage in
- Apply yourself
- Focus on
Example: “She decided to invest time in learning a new skill.”
Work or Task-Oriented Contexts
- Attend to
- Occupy oneself with
- Commit to
- Work on
- Tackle
Example: “He spent the weekend attending to household chores.”
Social or Group Activities
- Socialize
- Mingle
- Interact with
- Catch up
- Bond
Example: “We went to the party to socialize with our friends.”
Traveling or Going Somewhere
- Visit
- Explore
- Journey to
- Tour
- Drop by
Example: “We spent the afternoon exploring the nearby city.”
Detailed Synonym List with Contexts
Below is a comprehensive list of 40 different ways to say “spend time.” Each synonym comes with a brief explanation and example sentence to help you understand how it can be used:
| Synonym | Meaning/Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Hang out | Casual, relaxed time with friends | We hung out at the park all day. |
| Chill | Informal, often involving relaxation | Let’s chill and watch a movie. |
| Lounge | Reclining or sitting in a relaxed way | She lounged by the pool on vacation. |
| Kick back | To relax, especially after a hard day | After work, he likes to kick back with a beer. |
| Unwind | To relax after stress | She unwinds by listening to music. |
| Relax | Taking it easy without stress | I like to relax with a good book. |
| Take it easy | A more casual way to say relax | We took it easy on Sunday. |
| Spend leisure time | Time spent on activities for fun | They spend their leisure time playing games. |
| Pass time | To fill time in a relaxed way | We passed time by chatting. |
| Socialize | Spending time with others in a friendly way | I went to the party to socialize with colleagues. |
| Mingle | Moving and talking among a group of people | She mingled with guests at the event. |
| Interact | Communicating or engaging with someone | The children interacted with their classmates. |
| Bond | To form a close relationship with someone | The family bonded during their vacation. |
| Catch up | Reconnecting with someone after a while | Let’s catch up over coffee tomorrow. |
| Meet up | Arranging to meet someone for a purpose | We’re meeting up later at the mall. |
| Engage in | Participating in an activity | They engaged in a deep discussion about politics. |
| Devote time | To commit time to a specific task | He devoted his weekend to cleaning the house. |
| Invest time | Putting effort into something valuable | Investing time in learning can pay off later. |
| Work on | Focusing on a task or project | She worked on her painting all afternoon. |
| Commit to | Dedicating yourself to an activity | He committed to learning how to code. |
| Attend to | Taking care of something important | I need to attend to my emails this evening. |
| Occupy oneself with | Staying busy with an activity | She occupied herself with gardening. |
| Focus on | Concentrating on a particular task | We focused on completing the report. |
| Apply yourself | Putting in effort or dedication | You can achieve more if you apply yourself. |
| Tackle | Taking on a challenging task | She tackled her homework after dinner. |
| Explore | Discovering new places or things | They explored the city during their trip. |
| Visit | Going to see someone or something | We visited our grandparents last weekend. |
| Journey to | Traveling to a destination | They journeyed to the mountains for the weekend. |
| Tour | Going on a planned trip | We toured the museum on Saturday. |
| Drop by | A brief, informal visit | She dropped by the office to say hello. |
| Walk around | Spending time strolling | They walked around the neighborhood after dinner. |
| Roam | Moving freely in an area | The children roamed the park all afternoon. |
| Wander | Moving around without a set destination | He wandered through the city’s streets. |
| Browse | Looking through items casually | We spent hours browsing the shops. |
| Stroll | Walking at a relaxed pace | They strolled through the gardens. |
| Hang around | Waiting or loitering without a purpose | They hung around the mall for hours. |
| Linger | Staying in a place longer than necessary | He lingered at the café after lunch. |
| Stay | Remaining in a particular place | They stayed at the hotel for the weekend. |
| Loiter | Spending time idly in a public place | The teenagers loitered near the shop. |
| Kill time | Doing something to pass time | We killed time by playing games. |
Using a variety of synonyms for “spend time” can make your communication more engaging and precise. Whether you’re relaxing with friends, working on a project, or exploring new places, choosing the right word from this list can enhance your expression. Next time you use “spend time,” try one of these synonyms for a more vibrant and varied way to communicate.
Tips for Using Synonyms for Spend Time in English
When choosing a synonym for “spend time,” consider the formality of the situation. For example, while “chill” works well in casual settings, “devote time” is more suited to formal or professional contexts. Expanding your vocabulary can significantly improve your communication skills and make your writing more engaging. By using a variety of synonyms, you can avoid repetition and convey different nuances.
The ability to express the concept of “spending time” in various ways can make your language more dynamic and interesting. By incorporating the synonyms we’ve discussed into your vocabulary, you can enhance your communication skills and add depth to your conversations. So, next time you’re looking for a way to say “spend time,” try one of these 40 alternatives to keep your language fresh and engaging!
