mess around

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as in to flirt
to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun a guy who goes to the health club mainly to mess around with the women

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of mess around This retinol treatment doesn’t mess around. Maria Correa, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 In other words, let your ad creatives do the work of targeting for you rather than messing around with audience filters. Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 Framework is not messing around. Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Not messing around with different formations and trying to be too smart like GoN was. Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mess around
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mess around
Verb
  • Vick had a career-high 540 yards rushing in 1988 and played only four NFL seasons.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Because Ashley played Ellie’s mother, there is this sense of a ghost that’s always there.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Long story short: This is the tale of the rise and fall of the Sith's massive criminal syndicate away from the Empire's prying eyes, so expect more of the surprisingly dark tone past shows have often flirted with.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Ultimately, while Musk has occasionally flirted with cannabis culture and reform rhetoric, his actions suggest a cautious approach rather than outright support for federal legalization or policy changes.
    Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Some of the videos have showcased stuff that people are doing to bring themselves comfort and joy like traveling, dancing, running or shopping, the last of which should make many businesses smile.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The woman was a regular part of the team’s traveling party and was at a post-game gathering with players and staff members.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As Molly and Guy start to fool around, things get hot and heavy, but Ernie has a job to do.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Plotwise, four teens who grew up with technology and like to fool around on their laptops invading various verboten sites and having a great time doing it one day happen upon a bright idea.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Workers associated with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) started arriving in offices shortly after President Donald Trump's inauguration in January.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • On April 22, the Wilmette Village Board unanimously approved contracts totaling $1.8 million for design and related services associated with the future construction of a roughly 53,000-square-foot police station on the site of the existing station at Ridge Road and Birchwood Avenue.
    Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Similar ads have been run for 9/11 and other times of crises.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, those two categories have two additional Turbo Days: May 20 and May 26, with the latter Turbo Day running until 5:30 p.m. PT (30 minutes into the show).
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Most asteroids hang about in the Mars to Jupiter region, and the ones near Earth obviously hang about a bit closer.
    Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
  • Most asteroids hang about in the Mars to Jupiter region, and the ones near Earth obviously hang about a bit closer.
    Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Studies in neuroscience suggest that trust fosters an environment where the hormone oxytocin can flourish, helping people feel bonded and collaborative.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • While the Mellencamp sisters clearly bonded with Ryan, their first meeting wasn’t exactly without its awkward moments.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mess around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mess%20around. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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