GOOFED (AROUND) Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

goofed (around)

verb

past tense of goof (around)

as in fiddled (around)

to spend time in aimless activity we've been goofing around long enough; it's time to get some real work done

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for goofed (around)

Verb

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

Definition of fooled around

Verb

Tuesday morning’s workout brought a welcome diversion from drills, when SDSU players and coaches moved from the turf to the grass practice field and actually played some football.

— Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Etzel said the controversy surrounding COVID vaccines and vaccine mandates has played a role in fueling skepticism.

— Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

goof (around)

goofed (around)

goofed (off)

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“Goofed (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goofed%20%28around%29. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of goofed (around)

verb

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