1
as in horses 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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2
as in plays
to spend time in aimless activity
we fooled around outdoors for a while, then went in to get some work done
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fools around
Verb
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In an art-imitating-life debut, Wilder, 18, plays the son of his dad's character Everett.—
Jen Juneau,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025 -
As the largest global trade organization of movie theater owners, Cinema United plays a critical role in advocating for the interests of the theatrical experience.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams shows off some Taco Bell goodies.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
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Next to the arm, an ankle — where Umansky is tagged — shows off a tattoo with four thin black lines.—
Emy LaCroix,
People.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As far as home finds, pick up this fall-scented candle and a lightweight handheld vacuum to tackle quick messes around the house.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In the cold and austere German winter (a far cry from Dakar’s physical and cultural warmth), an anxious Nourou acts up outside a hotel and is accosted by a Polish security guard, setting off a minor chain reaction in which Maja intervenes on his behalf, much to his chagrin.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
28 Sep. 2025
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The kid acts up, the dad disciplines him and mom just sends a sorry text.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
22 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fools around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fools%20around. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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