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

In a clip posted to her Instagram Stories, the Duchess of Sussex wore her pajamas while cooking breakfast as music played in the background.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Upon her return to Chase Center, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kate Martin receives a pregame tribute video and a standing ovation; Martin played one season for the Valkyries before being cut in training camp this year.

— Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 4 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

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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“Goofed (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goofed%20%28around%29. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of goofed (around)

verb

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