screw around

as in to cheat
to be sexually unfaithful he hired a private detective because he thought his wife was screwing around

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 screw around Ernesto and George were checking out the trailer, screwing around and being boys, the night Reynolds secretly came to the site to finish the plan. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 Although, die-hard Richard Mille lovers will notice this is the first time the brand has changed the iconic screws around the outer edge of the bezels to Torq set screws, which has head slots that are distinctive and different from the norm. Rebecca Suhrawardi, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 But there’s still huge potential for rooftop solar, which can help cities stay powered when wildfires or other disruptions batter the larger electric grid — an increasingly common problem as the climate crisis screws around with global weather systems. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023 Related Story Alexandra Daddario Posed Naked On IG Alexandra doesn’t screw around with her fitness. Korin Miller, Women's Health, 20 June 2023 Or to screw around in the sand? Pete Lyons, Car and Driver, 11 Mar. 2023 But Zendaya doesn’t screw around in her workouts. Korin Miller, Women's Health, 27 Feb. 2023 Our gas giants don't screw around. Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2012 Using the Internet like this to screw around with Putin’s image, by the way, is also a little reminiscent of something else along these lines. Andy Meek, BGR, 13 July 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screw around
Verb
  • Neither team cheats for offense, every inch of ice is hard-earned.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Niemann, a grandmaster, beat Carlsen in an upset in a 2022 match, leading Carlsen to withdraw from the tournament and setting off wild speculation about whether Niemann could have cheated, though no such allegations were ever proven.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In his signature raspy vocals that adds more pathos to his heart-wrenching songs, the Mexican American star steps out of his alt-regional sound that he’s pioneered to deliver a gorgeous acoustic ballad produced by Frank Rios and the artist himself.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 2 May 2025
  • The shooting occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday when Binion stepped out of the EZ Pawn shop at 468 E. 147th St., Harvey said in a statement.
    Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Screw around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screw%20around. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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