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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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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Staying socially engaged plays a meaningful role in maintaining cognitive health.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
15 Mar. 2026
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In this poignant courtroom drama, Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, an attorney who is fired from his law firm upon discovering his sexuality and his AIDS diagnosis.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kutsenko, 31, steps outside into the freezing night, switches on a large rectangular generator and the power kicks back in.—
Kamila Hrabchuk,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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After a very chilly start to the day, with many spots in North Texas dipping into the 20s during the morning, our southerly flow kicks back in, which will lead to a steady warming trend over the next several days.—
McKenna King,
CBS News,
15 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Of course, all of this discussion rests on the belief that contractual prohibitions are the load-bearing factor for preventing an AI system from being used for mass domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
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His advice largely unheeded, state party Chairman Rusty Hicks on Thursday said the fate of a Democratic victory now rests squarely on the gubernatorial candidates who flouted him.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The lawsuit, whose defendants include the Department of Homeland Security, argues that federal officers' use of such munitions is a retaliation against protesters that chills their First Amendment rights.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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The suit names the Department of Homeland Security and argues that officers’ use of chemical munitions amounts to retaliation that chills First Amendment rights.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
10 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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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
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The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hangs about.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hangs%20about. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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