messes around

present tense third-person singular of mess around
1
2
as in flirts
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

3

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 messes around 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for messes around
Verb
  • Three plays later, Austin Simmons hit Cayden Lee, who got blasted by a Longhorn defender and fumbled to set up the game-sealing Texas TD.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Pitre plays a key role in the as the nickel cornerback, and his versatility at the position is somewhat irreplaceable in DeMeco Ryans’ scheme.
    — Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Between Jordan’s charm and Misty’s smile that only emerges around him, the film flirts with becoming a romantic comedy.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Hal flirts with Kerry; John has an affair with Zoe (Poorna Jagannathan), the wife of William Macon (Garret Dillahunt), a local cattle mogul whose compound has more high tech weaponry than a mere human would seem to need.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If the Warriors can push the ball and turn this into a shooting game, their style travels well, even in a tough building.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • When an alarm or sensor on windows, doors and home security devices is triggered, the textbook-sized drone travels a preset path to investigate suspicious activity.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • The watch is presented on a black fabric strap, but comes with two additional rubber straps lined in red and green, respectively—colors Soldier associates with the present and past.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Innova also associates afternoon snacking specifically with satisfaction, while other dayparts lean toward refreshment or indulgence.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • My dad hooks up a video of hardcore techno from Douyin for our drive back.
    — Aube Rey Lescure, Longreads, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Cade Depriest hooks up with a Gunn again for 34 yards and Winter Park is on the move back inside the red zone.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Dieffenbach connects with an all-alone-again Mizell with another soaring downfield pass that became another 75-yard touchdown reception.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • New drone video shows progress on emergency repairs to stabilize the slope at the Moro Beach section of Crystal Cove, just below Pacific Coast Highway, where the roadway connects Newport and Laguna Beach.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Unable to speak the language, Teresa nevertheless bonds with Milena (Ana Marija Veselcic), another outsider in the community.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In it, a young woman who has never been attracted to anyone romantically bonds with a man who is wired the same way.
    — Mark Schilling, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Messes around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/messes%20around. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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