1
as in hanging (around or out)
to spend time doing nothing
a tea house near campus where many university students could be seen hanging about
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in playing
to spend time in aimless activity
we'll be hanging about at the pub if you need us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hanging about
President James Garfield’s assassin, Charles Guiteau, died by hanging about five months after he was convicted of murder.
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USA Today,
17 June 2026
In 2019, city employees began hanging about 500 trick-or-treat pumpkin buckets in the trees on Main Street every October.
—
Elliott Harrell,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Orion Nebula Those viewing from a dark sky location may also notice a blurry patch of light hanging about 5 degrees below Orion's belt.
—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
The student was found hanging about 50 feet up in a tree with the open chute, Metro Nashville Police Department said on X Saturday.
—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
USA Today,
17 June 2026
In 2019, city employees began hanging about 500 trick-or-treat pumpkin buckets in the trees on Main Street every October.
—
Elliott Harrell,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Orion Nebula Those viewing from a dark sky location may also notice a blurry patch of light hanging about 5 degrees below Orion's belt.
—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
The student was found hanging about 50 feet up in a tree with the open chute, Metro Nashville Police Department said on X Saturday.
—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanging about
Verb
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Here’s an outdoor lounge chair that naturally supports kicking back with a matching ottoman.
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Instead of kicking back, most workers are delaying their flight from the nest thanks to an affordability crisis pinching the wallets of everyday Americans.
Verb
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Ella Bruccoleri may be playing a Bennet sister on TV, but the actress wasn’t always a fan of Jane Austen.
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According to court documents, Zimmerman was playing golf at the hotel's course throughout the day with friends.
Verb
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All told, it’s been a pretty spectacular and drama-free rollout for an idea that had been kicking around Hollywood for over 15 years.
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Husband and wife duo Cristina Marzolf and Matthew Marzolf, both 25, had been kicking around the concept of Press’d Cafe and Lounge, a family-friendly tropical escape that sells smoothies, juices and food for years.
Verb
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Zeus did not approve of his daughter fooling around with this mortal roughneck hunter and put out a hit on Orion.
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The transition was rough for Ansari, who wasn’t fluent in English and often got in trouble for fooling around in school.
Verb
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The Women’s Performance Jogger and Men’s Sunday Performance Jogger are particularly loved for their soft, stretchy DreamKnit fabric that’s perfect for lounging and exploring alike.
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And for flexible seating that can be moved where it’s needed, the Twlear Indoor/Outdoor Inflatable Ottoman is perfect for lounging on the pool deck or patio.
Verb
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Kylian liked messing around, having a laugh and telling jokes — just like the rest of us.
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All of our memories are traveling the world, messing around, having fun, and being teenagers.
Verb
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Following the convincing 3-0 victory over Czechia while resting some starters, the atmosphere on the Mexican team has been very relaxed, with several videos showing the players joking around with each other.
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On the facing page was Gompers’s block print/line drawing of the Tibetan saint and poet Milarepa sitting in a lotus position, a Sierra cup at his feet, and a Campingaz Bleuet stove resting on a boulder.
Verb
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Great for running errands, chilling on the couch, or curling up on a redeye flight, this sporty set can do it all.
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The good news is that many of these risks are preventable with simple habits like cleaning, separating raw foods, cooking thoroughly, and chilling foods promptly.
Cite this Entry
“Hanging about.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanging%20about. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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