FOOLS AROUND Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

fools around

verb

present tense third-person singular of fool around

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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as in plays

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fools around

Verb

According to McGrady, the only royal who didn’t enjoy the time away in the Highlands was the late Princess Diana, who didn’t fit in with the family’s outdoorsy vibes and didn’t enjoy riding horses around the property due to a fall as a child.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Ortiz navigated past 17 other horses around the final turn and made a hard charge down the stretch.

— Stephen Whyno, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026

Definition of horses around

Verb

Berglund is a big, heavy center who plays a hard, detailed two-way game.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The trio also saw how coffee plays a central role in Chicago’s bakery culture, and their beverage program features local makers Sparrow Coffee and Spirit Tea.

— Carly Boers, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of plays

Verb

The new congressional map in Virginia effectively cuts up the state’s 11 House districts to give Democrats an advantage in 10 of them.

— Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
How to Prune Viburnum Use sharp hand pruners for smaller cuts up to the diameter of a pencil, and loppers or a pruning saw for larger cuts.

— Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026

Definition of cuts up

Verb

Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian.

— Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area.

— Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026

Definition of hangs about

Verb

Currently, Screen Time often acts up and just cuts off access to all apps, whether it’s supposed to or not.

— Tyler Hayes, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026
Koutouvides transitioned to life after football, found success in real estate development throughout Connecticut, but the pain of losing the Super Bowl twinges and acts up like an old joint injury.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of acts up

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fools

fools around

fools (with)

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“Fools around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fools%20around. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of fools around

verb

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