1
as in hangs (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 plays
to spend time in aimless activity
we'll be hanging about at the pub if you need us
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of hangs about
Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian.
—
Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area.
—Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
The hot air just hangs about, causing the dish to cook unevenly with some spots nearly raw and others burnt.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
Despite Dickens’ canonical reputation, the author of door-stoppers such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickeleby, the stench of the entrepreneurial still hangs about him.
—Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area.
—Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
The hot air just hangs about, causing the dish to cook unevenly with some spots nearly raw and others burnt.
—New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
Despite Dickens’ canonical reputation, the author of door-stoppers such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickeleby, the stench of the entrepreneurial still hangs about him.
—Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hangs about
Verb
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Stan plays a Romanian family man who travels with his five children to live in his wife’s Norwegian hometown.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
24 May 2026
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On a major league baseball field, the mowing direction plays a big part in creating the intricate outfield designs and signature stripes in the lawn.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Riley Green kicks back at Heydude's new store in Austin to shop for new summer kicks.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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But once that stupendous on-screen chemistry between co-stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen kicks back in, the old magic shines through, strong as ever, giving us a fitting end to this beloved comic saga.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Verb
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However, sometimes birds are still able to peck through, pull fruit off, or even slip underneath when the netting rests directly on the branches.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
24 May 2026
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Most of the sleep case rests on the broader slow-breathing research base.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 May 2026
Verb
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This nifty side table chills beverages for hours while doubling as a convenient spot to set down drinks or snacks.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.—
Chloe Shrager,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Other standouts include a Maybelline mascara and a Black and Decker handheld vacuum, which makes quick work of small messes around the house and in the car.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Critical thinking really bums them out.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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Then Jason and Thor shower together, each lathering the other’s back and bums up with fewer orgasms than an old Herbal Essences commercial.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hangs about.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hangs%20about. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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