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
Relevance
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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Bevel was horsing around with the Reverend James Orange and Andy Young in the courtyard under King's balcony, according to Orange.—
Gail Sheehy,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026 -
But Andrew continued to live at the home and was often seen riding his horse around Windsor Great Park and photographed waving to crowds.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The conception meant that the show would need multiple actors playing Scarpetta, with one as the lead of the series.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Phillips also played a complete season in 2025 after seeing two separate significant injuries end his seasons in 2023 (Achilles) and 2024 (ACL).—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Zeus did not approve of his daughter fooling around with this mortal roughneck hunter and put out a hit on Orion.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
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Bella Ramsey takes a break from killing zombies and avenging father figures, their usual pastimes in series The Last of Us, to fool around and fall in love in Sunny Dancer, a decidedly uneven but fitfully charming, YA-skewed British comedy-drama.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Chocolate Frosting For chocolate frosting, in a medium saucepan heat salted butter and unsweetened chocolate, cut up, over low until melted.—
Maddy Bendgen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Mar. 2026
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The Broward County School Board voted to direct the superintendent to develop a plan to cut up to 3,000 jobs over three years.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The group disbanded in 2010, but during the hiatus and reunion tour, new fans were posting videos of the band’s music and showing off their Voxtrot tattoo inspirations, which was enough to motivate Srivastava.—
Charlie Vargas,
Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
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But when he was given the chance to play significant minutes for the first time in more than two months, Cain didn’t waste it to show off his skills.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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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 17 Mar. 2026.
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