as in to play
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to kill time
to spend time doing nothing
returned home unannounced and found the au pair goofing off
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to fumble
to make a mistake
we must have goofed up somewhere, because this cake clearly didn't turn out right
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
he goofed up his first sale at the dealership
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goof (around)
Noun
-
On great banners overhead, the Jaguars' lank-haired quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, looks on impassively, his vibe somewhere between ’90s skate slacker and chisel-jawed jock.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026 -
Our unnamed protagonist, a slacker with a goatee, is no protester.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And he is viewed as an underachiever.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The difference in the case of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys is that many of its students, grades 4 through 8, arrive at the school as underachievers but receive the type of support that prepares them to be college and career-ready.—
Walter Fields,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Goof (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof%20%28around%29. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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