25+ Other Ways to Say Spend Time (100+ Examples)

It's easy to get stuck using the same old words, right? You want your talk to feel fresh, fun, and clear, but sometimes the right words just hide. Finding other ways to say spend time can change how you chat with friends, write emails, or tell stories. This guide will show you many cool options, so you can pick the perfect one. Let's look at what does mean to use better words, and learn how to say exactly what you feel.

Casual Ways to Say Spend Time

Hang Out

When you want to keep things super chill, this is the best pick. It works for friends, family, or just people you like being around. You do not need a big plan, or a fancy reason, just presence. It feels warm, and very easygoing. Knowing synonyms for hanging out helps you sound more relaxed, and lets people know you are open to just being together.

• Let us hang out at the park this Sunday.
• Do you want to hang out after school today?
• They love to hang out and talk about movies.
• We should hang out more often, it is always fun.

Chill

This is for when things are slow, and you have no big goals. You might be on the couch, or just sitting on a porch. It sounds very low pressure, and tells others you are not in a rush. If you need words to describe a relaxed moment, this is a top choice. It fits perfectly when you are tired, or just need a quiet break.

• I just want to chill for the rest of the day.
• They decided to chill by the water all afternoon.
• Can we just chill, and watch some funny shows?
• You look like you need to chill for a while.

Kick Back

Imagine a chair that leans way back, and that is the vibe here. You are resting, maybe with a drink, or a good book. It shows you have done your work, and now you are done. People use this when they finally have a free hour, or a day off. It is a very common synonym for relaxing after a long week of hard work.

• Let us kick back and enjoy the sunshine today.
• He likes to kick back with his friends every Friday.
• Kick back, relax, and forget about all your chores.
• We will kick back tonight, and leave the stress behind.

Veg Out

Sometimes, you just want to do absolutely nothing at all. This is the phrase for those days where your brain needs a total rest. You might stare at a wall, or watch TV for hours, but that is fine. It is a funny way to describe a lazy day. It sounds honest, and relatable, especially when you are totally worn out.

• I plan to veg out on the sofa until dinner.
• Do you ever just want to veg out all weekend?
• They stayed home to veg out after the big test.
• Let us veg out, and stop thinking about work stuff.

Kill Time

When you have an hour to wait, you need a way to make it go faster. This is for those moments at the bus stop, or in a lobby. It means you are just doing something to keep busy, until the main event starts. It is not about joy, just about waiting. Knowing another word for waiting around makes your daily stories much better.

• We played cards to kill time before the flight.
• He read a book to kill time at the office.
• Let us find a game to kill time while we wait.
• I like to kill time by looking at funny pictures.

Mess Around

This implies you are doing small, fun things without a big goal. You might be fixing a bike, or drawing, or just moving things. It is playful, and light, and shows you are not being too serious. It fits well when you are with close friends. People use it to describe being active, but in a very loose, and messy way.

• We spent all day messing around in the garage.
• Stop messing around, and help us clear the table.
• They were messing around with the old camera all morning.
• I enjoyed messing around with the new paint colors.

Do Stuff

This is the simplest way to say you are busy with things. It is very vague, but that is why it works so well. You do not need to explain every detail, or prove you are being productive. It sounds friendly, and quick. If you are talking to a buddy, this phrase is a great way to describe a normal, active day.

• We went to town to do stuff for the house.
• They have so much stuff to do before the party.
• Let us just do stuff together, it does not matter what.
• I have to do stuff at home, so I cannot go.

Fool Around

This is for when you are being silly, or not acting your age. It is about lighthearted fun, maybe some jokes, or playing games. It sounds very youthful, and kind of mischievous. Use this when you are with people who know you well, and do not mind a bit of chaos. It is a classic way to describe a fun, aimless time.

• Quit fooling around, and get your shoes on.
• We spent the afternoon fooling around at the lake.
• They are always fooling around when they should work.
• It is nice to just fool around on a Saturday.

Goof Off

This is the phrase you use when you should be working, but you are not. It is about avoiding tasks to have a bit of fun instead. It sounds a little bit like a secret, or a small rebellion. Use it when you are talking about your break time, or those times you get distracted. It makes a boring day feel lighter.

• I took a break to goof off for ten minutes.
• They were caught goofing off instead of washing cars.
• Let us stop working, and goof off for a bit.
• He loves to goof off when the boss is away.

Loaf Around

This paints a picture of someone sitting still, and doing very little. It sounds a bit funny, and is perfect for a lazy Sunday. You are not moving, you are not busy, and you are totally fine with it. It is a great synonym for being idle. Use it when you want to show you are taking a well-earned break.

• You should not loaf around while the house is dirty.
• We spent the whole morning loafing around in our robes.
• They love to loaf around on the big porch chairs.
• I will loaf around and listen to music today.

Professional Ways to Say Spend Time

Devote Time

When you have a task that matters, you use this phrase. It sounds serious, and shows that you care about the work. You are giving your focus, and your energy, to something important. It is perfect for talking about projects, or helping someone else out. This synonym adds weight, and respect, to the things you choose to do.

• We must devote time to finishing this big report.
• She will devote time to learning the new software.
• Please devote time to answering all these customer emails.
• They decided to devote time to training the new team.

Allocate Time

This is for when you are making a plan, and setting aside hours for specific goals. It sounds like you are being smart, and organized, with your day. You are saying that this task is a priority. It is very common in an office, or when you are trying to manage a busy schedule. This is a very precise way to talk about planning.

• You need to allocate time for the project review.
• We should allocate time to discuss these new rules.
• They had to allocate time for the long flight.
• Please allocate time for a quick chat next week.

Dedicate Time

You use this when you are showing true loyalty to a goal. It is more than just working, it is about passion, and focus. It sounds very strong, and sounds like you are making a promise. This phrase works well when talking about big life goals, or hard projects at work. It feels very sincere, and very professional, in any setting.

• She will dedicate time to help the local charity.
• We must dedicate time to solve this tough problem.
• They will dedicate time to make the yard look nice.
• I want to dedicate time to writing my new book.

Invest Time

This is for when you are putting in effort, and hoping for a good result later. It sounds like you are building something, or planting a seed. You believe the work you do now will pay off soon. It is a great way to describe learning, or building relationships. This synonym makes your daily work sound like a smart, long-term plan.

• It is smart to invest time in learning new skills.
• We need to invest time in building trust with them.
• They invest time in their garden every single spring.
• You should invest time in your health every day.

Commit Time

This is a firm promise to make something happen. You are saying that you will show up, and you will stay until the job is done. It sounds very reliable, and very serious. People use this when they are joining a group, or starting a new phase of work. It is a strong, honest way to talk about your schedule.

• She will commit time to coach the youth team.
• We must commit time to finish this by Friday.
• They need to commit time to get the house ready.
• Can you commit time to look over these papers?

Set Aside

This is a simple, but very clear way to talk about planning. You are taking a chunk of time, and keeping it safe for one task. It feels very organized, and very calm. You use this when you want to avoid being interrupted. It is a common, and very useful way to manage your busy life, and your own needs.

• I will set aside an hour for reading tonight.
• We should set aside some time to talk about money.
• They set aside Saturday to clean the whole garage.
• Please set aside a moment to sign these forms.

Schedule

When you have a specific slot on your calendar, this is the word. It is very formal, and very direct. You are putting a name on a time, and making it real. It is the best choice for meetings, or appointments, or any event that needs a plan. This word is a standard, and very clear choice for professional talk.

• I will schedule a meeting for early next week.
• You should schedule your break during the quiet time.
• They plan to schedule the trip for late July.
• We can schedule a time to meet at the cafe.

Dedicate Resources

This is a bit more than just time, it is about everything you use to reach a goal. You are using your energy, your tools, and your hours. It sounds like you are running a business, or leading a big team. It is a very professional synonym for working hard, and making sure the job gets done right.

• We must dedicate resources to fix the broken system.
• They will dedicate resources to make the store better.
• You have to dedicate resources to keep the project moving.
• Let us dedicate resources to update the website soon.

Productive Ways to Say Spend Time

Focus On

This is the best way to say you are paying close attention to one thing. You are blocking out all the noise, and getting the job done. It sounds smart, and very sharp. Using this phrase shows that you have a plan, and you have the drive to finish it. It is a very common, and very helpful term.

• You should focus on your studies this afternoon.
• We need to focus on what matters most right now.
• They focus on quality more than anything else here.
• I will focus on this task until it is done.

Immerse Yourself In

This means you are jumping in, and learning all you can. You are surrounding yourself with the topic, and living it. It sounds deep, and very serious. It works well for learning a new language, or a new hobby. It shows that you are giving your full heart, and your full brain, to a new, exciting challenge.

• You should immerse yourself in the local culture there.
• They love to immerse themselves in a good mystery book.
• She will immerse herself in the art project all day.
• We want to immerse ourselves in the new music scene.

Apply Yourself To

This is about putting your best effort into something. It is for when you are working hard, and trying to improve. It sounds very steady, and very determined. Teachers often use this phrase, but it works for anyone trying to get better at a skill. It shows that you are really trying to succeed at your goal.

• You must apply yourself to the job to see results.
• She decided to apply herself to her piano lessons.
• They apply themselves to every challenge they face today.
• I will apply myself to this work all morning long.

Tackle

When you have a big, scary job, this is the word to use. It sounds active, and very bold. You are not just doing the work, you are fighting it, and winning. It is great for house projects, or big work lists. It shows you have a strong, brave spirit, and are ready to get moving right away.

• We need to tackle the mess in the attic now.
• She plans to tackle the hard homework tonight, too.
• They will tackle the weeds in the garden on Saturday.
• I am ready to tackle this project with you.

Engage In

This is a nice, formal way to say you are joining in an activity. It sounds very polite, and very clear. You can engage in a conversation, or a hobby, or a sport. It is a great, versatile synonym that works in almost any situation. It tells others that you are active, and participating in what is happening around you.

• They like to engage in debate about local news.
• You should engage in more outdoor activities this summer.
• We will engage in a discussion about the plan later.
• It is good to engage in sports with your friends.

Devote Your Energy

This is for when you are giving everything you have to a task. It sounds very powerful, and very passionate. You are not just passing time, you are changing the outcome. It is great for when you are starting something new, or trying to save something important. It shows you are committed to the success of your work.

• You must devote your energy to this main goal.
• She will devote your energy to the new training class.
• They devote your energy to keeping the house clean today.
• I want to devote your energy to helping my family.

Channel Your Effort

This is about being smart with your work. You are pointing your effort, like a beam of light, at one spot. It sounds very strategic, and very focused. Use this when you want to show that you are not wasting time, and you are working with a real plan. It shows you have a clear vision of success.

• You need to channel your effort into your writing.
• We should channel your effort into the new sales goal.
• They will channel your effort to finish the book soon.
• I must channel your effort to fix this old bike.

Take On

This is for when you are accepting a new task, or a new challenge. It sounds brave, and very ready. You are saying yes, and you are taking the responsibility. It works for a new job, or a difficult chore. It shows you are not afraid of hard work, and you are ready to jump right in.

• She will take on the lead role in the play.
• We need to take on more help for the party.
• They take on new challenges every single day at work.
• I want to take on this project to show my skills.

Follow Through With

This is the most important part of working. It means you are finishing what you started. It sounds very dependable, and very solid. When you say this, people know they can trust you. Use this when you are talking about big promises, or long tasks that need a lot of patience to finish the right way.

• You must follow through with your promise to help.
• We need to follow through with the plan we made.
• They always follow through with their best work every time.
• I will follow through with the repair by this evening.

Descriptive Ways to Say Spend Time

Whittle Away

This is a very nice way to say you are losing time, slowly but surely. It sounds like carving wood, bit by bit. It is for those days when the clock moves, and you do not quite know where the hours went. It feels calm, a little bit sad, but also very poetic. It is a gentle word choice.

• We whittled away the afternoon talking on the porch.
• They whittled away the hours waiting for the train.
• I whittled away the morning just looking at clouds.
• You whittled away your day doing small, useless chores.

While Away

This is for the moments that feel like a dream. You are not doing much, but you are happy about it. It is for summer days, or quiet times by a fire. It sounds very peaceful, and very soft. It is a beautiful way to describe a slow, and relaxing time. It makes a lazy day sound like a real treat.

• Let us while away the day in the park.
• They liked to while away the evening with music.
• I will while away the hours reading a classic book.
• You can while away the time by watching the boats.

Occupy Yourself With

This is a very clear, and useful phrase for any time you are doing something. It means you have a job to do, and your attention is taken. It sounds very normal, and very helpful for daily life. It is great for explaining why you are busy, or why you cannot talk to someone else right now.

• You can occupy yourself with the puzzle on the table.
• We occupy ourselves with baking bread every Sunday morning.
• They occupy themselves with playing games until dark falls.
• I will occupy myself with my chores for now.

Lose Yourself In

When you find something that makes you forget the world, use this. It is about total joy, or total interest. You might lose yourself in a song, or a movie, or a deep talk. It sounds magical, and very special. It is a great phrase for those moments when you feel truly alive, and fully engaged.

• I love to lose yourself in a good, long book.
• She can lose yourself in the music for hours.
• They lose yourself in the game and forget the time.
• We will lose yourself in the beauty of the woods.

Pass the Time

This is the most common way to say you are filling up the hours. It is very simple, and very easy to understand for everyone. It is not about joy, or work, it is just about moving forward. It is the perfect, neutral phrase for waiting, or doing small, basic tasks to stay busy. It is a very safe, and clear choice.

• We played cards to pass the time on the bus.
• It is hard to pass the time when you wait.
• They tried to pass the time with funny stories today.
• I will pass the time by walking around the town.

Devote Your Focus

This means you are being very intentional with your mind. You are choosing to look at one thing, and ignore everything else. It sounds very smart, and very controlled. It is great for when you are studying, or working on a hard puzzle. It shows that you are in charge of your own brain, and your output.

• You should devote your focus to your own goals.
• We will devote your focus to cleaning this room fast.
• They devote your focus to the speaker during the show.
• I devote your focus to my art every single night.

Give Your Attention To

This is a very polite way to say you are looking at something. It is very gentle, and shows you care. You can give your attention to a child, a pet, or a project. It sounds very kind, and very helpful. It is a great phrase for when you are listening, or being a good friend to someone.

• Please give your attention to the teacher for a moment.
• We should give your attention to the dog right now.
• They give your attention to the details of the job.
• I will give your attention to your needs this week.

Creative Ways to Say Spend Time

Paint the Town

This is a fun way to say you are going out to party. It sounds colorful, and very exciting. You are not just hanging out, you are having a big night. It is perfect for birthdays, or big celebrations with your best friends. It implies high energy, lots of laughing, and a very late night out.

• We decided to paint the town on our last night.
• They went out to paint the town after the win.
• Let us paint the town and have a great dinner.
• You can paint the town if you finish your work.

Make Memories

This is for the moments that you want to keep forever. It sounds very warm, and very sweet. You are doing something special with people you love. It is perfect for trips, or family reunions, or any big day. It is a beautiful way to describe the value of the time you share with others.

• We went there to make memories with our kids.
• They love to make memories while they travel the world.
• Let us make memories at the beach this coming week.
• I want to make memories with you every single day.

Soak Up the Sun

This is for when you are outside, and loving the warmth. It sounds very relaxing, and very bright. You are taking in the good vibes of a beautiful day. It is a classic way to describe a beach trip, or a day in the park. It feels very healthy, and very happy, and totally free.

• We will soak up the sun at the lake today.
• They like to soak up the sun on the back porch.
• Let us soak up the sun while the weather is nice.
• I need to soak up the sun after a long winter.

Bask in the Glow

This is for when you are enjoying the success, or the joy, of a moment. It sounds very calm, and very peaceful. You are sitting in the happiness of a good thing that just happened. It is a great phrase for when you win a game, or finish a hard project, or get good news.

• We sat to bask in the glow of our big win.
• They bask in the glow of the fire all night.
• Let us bask in the glow of the beautiful sunset now.
• I like to bask in the glow of my small success.

Revel In

This means you are having a blast, and you are not hiding it. You are enjoying the moment to the very fullest. It sounds very lively, and very strong. Use this when you are at a party, or enjoying a great meal, or just having a fantastic time with your friends. It is full of joy.

• We will revel in the party all night long today.
• They revel in the quiet of the morning every single day.
• Let us revel in the success of our hard work now.
• I want to revel in the fun of this great trip.

Drink In

This means you are looking at something so beautiful that you cannot get enough. You are taking it all in with your eyes, and your heart. It sounds very deep, and very appreciative. Use it when you see a great view, or a beautiful sunset, or just a really lovely scene with your best friends.

• We sat to drink in the view of the tall mountains.
• They drink in the beauty of the gardens every spring.
• Let us drink in the sights of the old city streets.
• I love to drink in the quiet of the calm lake.

Tips for Picking the Right Phrase

Match the Setting

You want your words to fit the room, so think about where you are. A formal meeting needs professional terms, but a night with friends needs something casual. Knowing how to say things well matters a lot, because it makes you sound clear, and very comfortable.

Know Your Audience

Think about who you are talking to, because that changes everything. Friends like slang, but your boss might prefer a clear, direct phrase. Using words that mean respect can change the whole conversation, so pay attention to who is listening to you speak today.

Keep It Simple

You do not need to use big, fancy words to sound smart. Often, the shortest, easiest phrase is the best one. Using simple language helps everyone understand you quickly, which is a great goal for any chat. Everyone likes a person who speaks in a way that is easy, and very direct.

Write Vs Speak

When you write, you have time to pick the perfect word. When you speak, you can just use what feels natural to you. There are many ways to say things in different languages, and in our own, so choose what flows best for the situation you are in right now.

Use Tone Well

Some words feel happy, some feel serious, and others feel very lazy. Match the feeling of your words to the mood of the moment. It makes your stories better, and helps people feel what you feel, which is the best part of talking to a friend.

I hope you find these tips helpful as you look for new ways to say spend time. Whether you need a formal synonym or a casual phrase, you now have many tools to use. Have fun with your words, and remember that there is always another word for just about anything you want to share with the world today.

Summary of Alternate Ways