FOOLED AROUND Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

fooled around

verb

past tense of fool around

as in horsed around

to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior quit fooling around on the jungle gym, or you'll get hurt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in played

to spend time in aimless activity we fooled around outdoors for a while, then went in to get some work done

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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 fooled around Not too long ago, artificial intelligence was more or less a science project in which data scientists and developers fooled around with one-off small or test projects. — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fooled around

Verb

Cityside, guests can head to the thumping heart of Austin nightlife where the Live Music Capital of the World always has a new favorite act and dance floor to cut up waiting just around the corner.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
In July, the Public Service Commission requested utilities submit plans to cut up to 45% of savings from the program.

— Tom Nyein, Baltimore Sun, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of cut up

Verb

With Rose unavailable, sophomore quarterback Gabriel Webster played in district games against Azle, Denton and Sherman.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Armstrong led the Chiefs in receiving yards in the preseason, so he’s played against NFL competition.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of played

Verb

Then in spring training this year, Hollowell again messed around with different changeup grips while incorporating mental cues from previous coaches, and something clicked with a circle-change grip.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Dragstrem, who focuses more on production, has messed around with it but was left unsatisfied; McGill, who’s more lyrics-driven, wants nothing to do with the tech.

— Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026

Definition of messed around

Verb

Since then, he’s kicked around with HAIM while turning one third of its Los Angelino triumvirate, Alana Haim, into a screen actress.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026
Every single night, through that winter, spring and summer, Caldwell and Rothstein kicked around potential game situations and ideas for how to approach them.

— Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of kicked around

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fooled

fooled around

fooled (with)

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Style

“Fooled around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fooled%20around. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fooled around

verb

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