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
  • Jessie Mei Li, who plays the American Cola despite being resolutely English, agrees.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • Since at least 2010, the father and son have sought to bring clients together by holding World Cup watch parties at new properties, particularly when Brazil plays.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • From time to time the thermometer flirts with 70.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 7 May 2026
  • Surrounded by honeymooners, June tries (and flirts) to reclaim her joie de vivre, while Lela is deep in the dark.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Nobody travels to matches, paints their face, or organizes a game-day event purely for the final score of a single game.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 18 June 2026
  • Worse, the message travels beyond the individual.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 June 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 third vessel, for example, contains circular discs symbolizing water, which Chan associates with rebirth.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • In practical terms, that means Forest now associates humans with food and safety, the opposite of what a wild deer needs to survive.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Kimbo also hooks up a standard electrical system with 2-kWh, 12-V lithium battery, 240-W Renogy solar panel setup, integrated wiring and shore power hookup.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Nike consistently hooks up the University of Oregon‘s athletic programs with exclusive sneakers because of their longstanding relationship, and the newest spoils to emerge come via Nike’s most futuristic new basketball sneaker.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The critical oil and gas shipping lane connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and leads to the open ocean.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • After the vehicle is parked, the robotic arm detects its position, connects the charging cable, and begins charging without requiring any manual input.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • The Pennsylvania native made her TV acting debut on the HBO hit as Faye, the adrift addict who bonds with Fezco (the late Angus Cloud) and later Rue (Zendaya), after previously establishing herself in adult films, with creator Sam Levinson casting her directly.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 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 20 Jun. 2026.

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