mess around

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as in to flirt
to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun a guy who goes to the health club mainly to mess around with the women

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mess around This retinol treatment doesn’t mess around. Maria Correa, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 In other words, let your ad creatives do the work of targeting for you rather than messing around with audience filters. Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 Framework is not messing around. Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Not messing around with different formations and trying to be too smart like GoN was. Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mess around
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess around
Verb
  • Vick had a career-high 540 yards rushing in 1988 and played only four NFL seasons.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • That was nice to play and just to be in in touch with that.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Long story short: This is the tale of the rise and fall of the Sith's massive criminal syndicate away from the Empire's prying eyes, so expect more of the surprisingly dark tone past shows have often flirted with.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Ultimately, while Musk has occasionally flirted with cannabis culture and reform rhetoric, his actions suggest a cautious approach rather than outright support for federal legalization or policy changes.
    Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Families now must travel often far distances for their children’s youth sports competitions, which can be costly.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The Jaguars, who were originally slated to pick eighth before Minnesota’s draft-night slide, traveled to Utah to work out the promising prospect, who was considered by many to be the top offensive tackle in the class.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As Molly and Guy start to fool around, things get hot and heavy, but Ernie has a job to do.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Plotwise, four teens who grew up with technology and like to fool around on their laptops invading various verboten sites and having a great time doing it one day happen upon a bright idea.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Those historic missions and the pioneers associated with them should not be forgotten.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Scroll down for a complete list of articles associated with this month’s challenge.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Similar ads have been run for 9/11 and other times of crises.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, those two categories have two additional Turbo Days: May 20 and May 26, with the latter Turbo Day running until 5:30 p.m. PT (30 minutes into the show).
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Most asteroids hang about in the Mars to Jupiter region, and the ones near Earth obviously hang about a bit closer.
    Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
  • Most asteroids hang about in the Mars to Jupiter region, and the ones near Earth obviously hang about a bit closer.
    Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Studies in neuroscience suggest that trust fosters an environment where the hormone oxytocin can flourish, helping people feel bonded and collaborative.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • While the Mellencamp sisters clearly bonded with Ryan, their first meeting wasn’t exactly without its awkward moments.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mess around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess%20around. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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