1
as in to clown (around)
to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior
stop monkeying around in the house or you'll break something
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to goof (around)
to spend time in aimless activity
would rather just monkey around instead of doing work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monkey (around)
Verb
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Ortiz navigated past 17 other horses around the final turn and made a hard charge down the stretch.—
Stephen Whyno,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026 -
What followed was a playful back-and-forth, with the two monkeys horsing around in a way that had the comment sections absolutely buzzing.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But questions remain about whether will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
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Allen plays Roxie, a dying wife and mother who arrives in the trauma bay during the show’s second season.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Another horny couple on vacation couldn’t wait until their flight landed to fool around and insisted on doing so in the plane's cabin.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Zeus found out that Orion was fooling around with his daughter Artemis, the goddess of the moon.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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On Monday, May 18, a 7%-illuminated crescent will hang about two degrees from Venus, with Jupiter about 20 degrees above.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
14 May 2026
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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
Verb
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Build your very own gift wrapping arsenal with these unconventional yet savvy finds, including a bow maker to create beautiful, professional-style gift and wreath bows, an impressive tape dispenser that cuts up to 18 pieces at once, and silicone holders to keep your rolls organized.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Dec. 2025
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The new in-wheel powertrain could cut up to 1,102 pounds from future EVs by removing rear brakes and driveshafts.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Elastico There’s a bit of showing off going on here — but in a good way.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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The city of Fort Worth wants to show off its proposals for how to regulate data centers.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Monkey (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkey%20%28around%29. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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