20 Other Ways to Say “Passing Time” (With Examples)

Sometimes, we all look for ways to describe passing time, whether it’s during a quiet afternoon, a long commute, or a relaxing weekend. Finding the right words for passing time can make our conversations feel more personal, meaningful, and relatable. Using thoughtful alternatives to “passing time” allows us to communicate our experiences in a warmer and more engaging way. Below, we explore 20 other ways to say passing time with examples and explanations to help you express yourself clearly.

What Does “Passing Time” Mean?

Passing time generally refers to spending hours or moments doing something to occupy yourself, often while waiting or relaxing. It’s about filling idle moments meaningfully or casually without stressing about productivity.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Passing Time”?

Yes, passing time can be used politely in informal conversations, but in professional settings, it’s better to use alternatives like “occupying myself,” “engaging in activities,” or “spending time productively,” which sound more intentional and thoughtful.

Synonyms For “Passing Time”

1. Wasting time
2. Occupying oneself
3. Engaging in leisure
4. Enjoying downtime
5. Spending time casually
6. Relaxing
7. Entertaining oneself
8. Filling the hours
9. Keeping busy
10. Whiling away time
11. Amusing oneself
12. Lazing around
13. Distracting oneself
14. Spending idle moments
15. Taking it easy
16. Unwinding
17. Loafing
18. Chilling out
19. Going through the motions
20. Passing the hours

1. Killing Time

Scenario: Waiting for an appointment or event and needing something to do to make time pass more pleasantly.

Meaning: Doing activities to occupy oneself briefly without requiring serious effort or focus.

Examples:

1. I was killing time at the café while waiting for my friend’s arrival today.
2. She spent the afternoon killing time in the library before her next meeting started.
3. We watched funny online videos to kill time during the long flight yesterday.
4. He started reading a novel to kill time at the doctor’s office yesterday.
5. Kids often play board games to kill time when the weather is rainy outside.

Tone: Casual, informal, and relaxed.

Explanation: Killing time is commonly used in everyday situations to describe spending moments in a lighthearted or unhurried way.

2. Wasting Time

Scenario: Spending time on activities that are not particularly productive or meaningful.

Meaning: Engaging in leisure or casual activities that may not contribute to any goal.

Examples:

1. I realized I was just wasting time scrolling through social media this morning.
2. Don’t feel guilty about wasting time occasionally to rest your mind fully.
3. Watching TV for hours can feel like wasting time if you have deadlines.
4. Sometimes teenagers enjoy wasting time chatting with friends online during free hours.
5. He admitted wasting time instead of focusing on his work assignments yesterday.

Tone: Slightly negative but realistic and relatable.

Explanation: Wasting time implies the activity may not have long-term value but can still be a casual way to pass moments.

3. Occupying Oneself

Scenario: Choosing activities to remain busy or distracted during free moments.

Meaning: Engaging in hobbies, tasks, or small activities to keep oneself meaningfully occupied.

Examples:

1. She tried occupying herself with painting while waiting for her next appointment.
2. He enjoys occupying himself with puzzles during quiet weekend afternoons at home.
3. Students often occupy themselves with studying between classes to feel productive.
4. I like occupying myself with small home projects during idle evenings.
5. They occupy themselves with cooking to relax after long, stressful days.

Tone: Neutral, polite, versatile.

Explanation: Occupying oneself works well in both casual and professional contexts, suggesting intentional engagement in activities.

4. Engaging in Leisure

Scenario: Choosing enjoyable activities to relax, refresh, and unwind during free time.

Meaning: Spending time on hobbies, entertainment, or recreational activities for pleasure.

Examples:

1. On Sundays, I enjoy engaging in leisure like reading novels or gardening at home.
2. They spent the afternoon engaging in leisure activities at the beach with friends.
3. Students often engage in leisure between classes to recover energy and focus.
4. She believes engaging in leisure is important for maintaining mental and physical health.
5. We spent the evening engaging in leisure after a busy, exhausting week.

Tone: Calm, thoughtful, and positive.

Explanation: Highlights well-being and enjoyment, showing that leisure is purposeful and meaningful.

5. Enjoying Downtime

Scenario: Making the most of quiet, free moments to rest and recharge.

Meaning: Using idle periods to relax, reflect, or simply enjoy calm activities.

Examples:

1. I am enjoying downtime by listening to my favorite music playlist today.
2. They spent enjoying downtime at the park reading quietly and sipping tea.
3. After work, he prefers enjoying downtime on the couch without distractions.
4. Students are encouraged to enjoy downtime to refresh their minds during breaks.
5. She spent the evening enjoying downtime with a hot cup of soothing tea.

Tone: Relaxed, caring, rejuvenating.

Explanation: Emphasizes mindfulness and the positive benefits of resting, instead of simply filling idle time.

6. Spending Time Casually

Scenario: Participating in activities without urgency, rules, or strict schedules.

Meaning: Passing moments in a relaxed, easygoing way without pressure or deadlines.

Examples:

1. I am spending time casually with friends at the coffee shop this afternoon.
2. She enjoys spending time casually exploring local museums on weekends.
3. They spent the afternoon spending time casually watching the sunset together.
4. He enjoys spending time casually learning new languages through online tutorials.
5. We spent the evening spending time casually with board games and snacks.

Tone: Lighthearted, informal, friendly.

Explanation: Suggests relaxed and spontaneous activities, emphasizing comfort and enjoyment rather than productivity.

7. Relaxing

Scenario: Engaging in activities that calm the mind, body, and spirit.

Meaning: Doing something enjoyable to reduce stress and feel peaceful during free time.

Examples:

1. I spent the evening relaxing in the garden under the stars peacefully.
2. She enjoys relaxing with a good book and soothing music after work.
3. Weekends are perfect for relaxing after a busy, stressful workweek.
4. He likes relaxing while painting or drawing quietly at home.
5. They spent the afternoon relaxing by the lake and enjoying nature’s beauty.

Tone: Calm, soothing, mindful.

Explanation: Focuses on peace, comfort, and mental rejuvenation rather than activity for the sake of activity.

8. Entertaining Oneself

Scenario: Finding enjoyable ways to stay occupied and avoid boredom.

Meaning: Engaging in fun activities to amuse oneself during free moments.

Examples:

1. He was entertaining himself with card games during the waiting period yesterday.
2. She enjoys entertaining herself with drawing whenever she feels bored at home.
3. Kids often entertain themselves with imaginative play or building toys indoors.
4. I spent the afternoon entertaining myself with music and dancing joyfully.
5. They entertain themselves with movies and popcorn on rainy weekend evenings.

Tone: Playful, casual, enjoyable.

Explanation: Highlights joy and engagement, suggesting active self-amusement for mental stimulation.

9. Filling the Hours

Scenario: Using time meaningfully so it feels productive or enjoyable.

Meaning: Occupying free time with activities that provide a sense of purpose or interest.

Examples:

1. I spent the afternoon filling the hours with writing letters to my friends.
2. She is filling the hours knitting and enjoying her cup of hot tea.
3. They spent the weekend filling the hours exploring hiking trails and nature.
4. He enjoys filling the hours with music, painting, and meditation routines.
5. Students fill the hours with hobbies during school breaks to stay engaged.

Tone: Thoughtful, calm, intentional.

Explanation: Suggests using time in meaningful ways rather than idly letting it pass.

10. Keeping Busy

Scenario: Staying active to avoid boredom or distraction.

Meaning: Engaging in tasks or hobbies to maintain focus and mental stimulation.

Examples:

1. She keeps herself busy by volunteering at the local community center weekly.
2. He enjoys keeping busy with cooking and experimenting with new recipes daily.
3. Students stay busy with clubs, assignments, or part-time work after school.
4. I like keeping busy with creative projects to feel productive at home.
5. They keep busy during weekends by exploring new hobbies and outdoor activities.

Tone: Positive, proactive, energetic.

Explanation: Implies purposeful activity to make time feel meaningful and avoid boredom.

11. Whiling Away Time

Scenario: Passing time pleasantly, often in a leisurely or relaxed way.

Meaning: Spending time enjoying small activities without rushing or urgency.

Examples:

1. I spent the afternoon whiling away time by sketching in my notebook quietly.
2. She enjoys whiling away time listening to classical music while sipping tea.
3. They spent the weekend whiling away time reading novels together in the garden.
4. He likes whiling away time doing crossword puzzles during long train journeys.
5. We whiled away time talking and laughing while waiting for the bus.

Tone: Calm, leisurely, gentle.

Explanation: Suggests a relaxed, slow-paced enjoyment of free time, emphasizing contentment over productivity.

12. Amusing Oneself

Scenario: Finding fun or entertainment independently to stay engaged.

Meaning: Engaging in activities that provide enjoyment or distraction for oneself.

Examples:

1. She was amusing herself by creating paper crafts on a rainy afternoon.
2. He enjoys amusing himself with magic tricks to entertain family and friends.
3. I spent the evening amusing myself with funny videos online to relax.
4. Kids often amuse themselves with building blocks or drawing quietly at home.
5. They amused themselves with card games while waiting for their flight.

Tone: Playful, cheerful, casual.

Explanation: Highlights self-directed entertainment, suggesting lighthearted engagement during free time.

13. Lazing Around

Scenario: Spending time resting without any planned activities or responsibilities.

Meaning: Relaxing in a leisurely, unhurried manner, often with minimal effort.

Examples:

1. I spent the afternoon lazing around on the couch watching movies peacefully.
2. She enjoys lazing around in bed with a good book on weekends.
3. They spent the morning lazing around after a long, tiring week at work.
4. He likes lazing around in the garden, soaking up the warm sunlight.
5. We lazed around together at the beach, enjoying the gentle waves.

Tone: Relaxed, informal, carefree.

Explanation: Emphasizes complete relaxation and comfort, often suggesting intentional idleness for enjoyment.

14. Distracting Oneself

Scenario: Engaging in activities to shift focus from boredom or negative thoughts.

Meaning: Doing something to divert attention from waiting or feeling restless.

Examples:

1. I spent the afternoon distracting myself with music while cleaning the house.
2. She enjoys distracting herself with puzzles whenever she feels anxious or stressed.
3. They distract themselves with games during long hospital waiting periods.
4. He likes distracting himself with reading when he feels overwhelmed with work.
5. We distracted ourselves with funny stories to avoid feeling bored on the trip.

Tone: Practical, casual, thoughtful.

Explanation: Suggests purposeful activity to focus attention elsewhere, often for mental relief or comfort.

15. Spending Idle Moments

Scenario: Using small amounts of free time meaningfully or enjoyably.

Meaning: Filling brief periods of inactivity with pleasant or light activities.

Examples:

1. I spent idle moments journaling about my day in the quiet afternoon.
2. She enjoys spending idle moments knitting or crafting small projects.
3. Students often spend idle moments reading or drawing between classes.
4. He spends idle moments meditating quietly in the garden to relax.
5. We spent idle moments chatting and sharing stories while waiting patiently.

Tone: Calm, reflective, purposeful.

Explanation: Highlights turning unoccupied moments into something enjoyable or meaningful without stress.

16. Taking It Easy

Scenario: Choosing to slow down and avoid rushing, focusing on comfort and relaxation.

Meaning: Spending time calmly, without stress, focusing on simple pleasures.

Examples:

1. I decided to take it easy this weekend and enjoy quiet walks in nature.
2. She enjoys taking it easy with a cup of tea and a favorite book.
3. They spent the afternoon taking it easy, listening to soft music at home.
4. He likes taking it easy after work by sitting on the porch peacefully.
5. We took it easy during our vacation and avoided hectic schedules entirely.

Tone: Relaxed, soothing, friendly.

Explanation: Suggests a deliberate slowdown, prioritizing comfort, mindfulness, and stress-free enjoyment.

17. Unwinding

Scenario: Letting go of stress or tension after a busy or challenging period.

Meaning: Engaging in relaxing activities to refresh the mind and body.

Examples:

1. I spent the evening unwinding by listening to calming music and meditating.
2. She enjoys unwinding with a warm bath after long workdays.
3. They spent the weekend unwinding on a quiet lakeside retreat.
4. He likes unwinding with light yoga or stretching before bed.
5. We unwound together with a cozy movie marathon and snacks at home.

Tone: Calming, mindful, rejuvenating.

Explanation: Focuses on relaxation and stress relief, emphasizing mental and physical restoration.

18. Loafing

Scenario: Spending time idly without productive activity, simply enjoying leisure.

Meaning: Relaxing or doing nothing significant in a carefree manner.

Examples:

1. I spent Sunday loafing around the house with no urgent tasks to worry about.
2. She enjoys loafing in the sun on lazy weekend afternoons.
3. They spent the morning loafing after a long week of hard work.
4. He likes loafing in bed while listening to soft, relaxing music.
5. We loafed together by the pool, enjoying the slow, sunny day.

Tone: Casual, relaxed, carefree.

Explanation: Highlights intentional idleness for enjoyment, suggesting no guilt about not being productive.

19. Chilling Out

Scenario: Relaxing informally, often with friends or by oneself, enjoying calm moments.

Meaning: Spending time in a carefree, easygoing way without stress or responsibility.

Examples:

1. I spent the evening chilling out with friends while enjoying snacks and music.
2. She enjoys chilling out by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate.
3. They spent the weekend chilling out on the beach, soaking up the sun.
4. He likes chilling out in the garden, listening to birds and nature sounds.
5. We chilled out together watching movies and laughing over silly scenes.

Tone: Casual, friendly, joyful.

Explanation: Suggests informal, enjoyable relaxation, often with social or personal comfort in mind.

20. Going Through the Motions

Scenario: Passing time while completing habitual or repetitive activities without strong engagement.

Meaning: Engaging in routine actions to occupy time, often without focus or enthusiasm.

Examples:

1. I was going through the motions at work while waiting for the day to end.
2. She spent the morning going through the motions of household chores patiently.
3. Students often go through the motions during long, uneventful classes.
4. He found himself going through the motions while organizing old files.
5. They were going through the motions of weekend tasks without much interest.

Tone: Neutral, slightly indifferent, realistic.

Explanation: Highlights filling time with routine tasks, sometimes absent-mindedly, but still functional.

21. Passing the Hours

Scenario: Spending extended periods in a way that keeps oneself occupied or entertained.

Meaning: Using time intentionally or casually to make long periods feel shorter.

Examples:

1. I spent the afternoon passing the hours painting and listening to soft music.
2. She enjoys passing the hours knitting or sewing creative patterns at home.
3. They spent the weekend passing the hours exploring new places around the city.
4. He likes passing the hours reading biographies and learning new things quietly.
5. We passed the hours together talking and laughing without noticing the time.

Tone: Calm, enjoyable, purposeful.

Explanation: Suggests engaging in activities that make long periods enjoyable or productive, adding meaning to otherwise idle time.

Conclusion

Finding the right words for passing time can make your conversations feel more thoughtful, personal, and engaging. Whether you are relaxing, keeping busy, or chilling out, these alternatives provide nuanced ways to express how you spend your moments. Using these expressions can also help you sound more creative and empathetic when sharing your experiences.

FAQs

Q1: Is “passing time” always casual ?

A: Mostly yes, but it can be professional if framed as spending time productively or occupying oneself with meaningful tasks.

Q2: Are there negative alternatives to “passing time”?

A: Yes, phrases like wasting time or going through the motions suggest less purposeful activity.

Q3: Can I use these alternatives in writing?

A: Absolutely! They enhance tone and clarity, making your writing more expressive and relatable.

Q4: Which alternatives are best for stress relief?

A: Phrases like relaxing, unwinding, and taking it easy emphasize calm, mindfulness, and well-being.

Q5: Are these alternatives interchangeable?

A: Many are, but context matters. For example, killing time is informal, while occupying oneself can be professional or neutral.