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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for goofed (around)
  1. fooled around
  2. played
  3. messed 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
  • The bridge — which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario — was named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe who played for the Detroit Red Wings, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Wallack’s critique was echoed by former Beach Commissioner Saul Gross, a real estate investor who has played a significant role in Art Deco district preservation and whose Streamline Properties is on Washington.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of played
Verb
  • 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
  • In the email, Dixon suggested that the fire department employee may have messed around with the department's equipment.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of messed around
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.

Browse Nearby Words

goof (around)
goofed (around)
goofed (off)
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Cite this Entry

“Goofed (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goofed%20%28around%29. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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