leaf 1 of 2

Definition of leafnext
as in to flip
to turn over pages in an idle or cursory manner we must have spent hours leafing through wallpaper books before we found something we both liked

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leaf

2 of 2

noun

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of leaf
Verb
In spring, when the trees start to leaf, Cedar Mountain comes alive with toe-tapping music, pottery studios, galleries and locals who welcome you in. — Belinda Luksic, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 At the site, trees are leafing as workers add finishing touches. — Aria Jones, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
If a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars, the art inside an airport that reminds us of our humanity and distracts us from our fatigue is an object worthy of praise. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026 Aunt Jackie, revealing her own sense of humor and generosity, gave Mum a green four-leaf clover-pin with a small diamond on each leaf. — Kerry Kennedy, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaf
Verb
  • Because Sand has not served in a legislative capacity, he isn’t burdened by a controversial voting record on leftist policies, as is Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, who is also trying to flip a red state seat.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Its latest annual Gboard experiment flips this dynamic on its head with moving keys that eventually roll into position right under your finger.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Calvo, meanwhile, sits at a desk in his hotel room, gazing into the camera lens placidly while idly sketching on a sheet of paper.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The good news is that most stakeholders also agree that having two sets of regs is daft and that from 2030—when the current rulesets expire—everyone should be reading from the same sheet.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Neon seems to be thumbing its nose at its biggest rival A24 by planning a competing horror film based on the online universe of writing called the SCP Foundation.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This is an entire class of wealthy and unaccountable men thumbing their noses at the American public.
    — Abigail Disney, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaf. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on leaf

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!