PUTTERED (AROUND) Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

puttered (around)

verb

past tense of putter (around)

as in fiddled (around)

to spend time in aimless activity I spent all weekend at home just puttering around

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for puttered (around)

Verb

One recent three-month period saw the release of three film adaptations of acclaimed novels in which ghosts played a starring role.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
The 30-year-old actress, who was named the Chinese brand ambassador for Kors last March, made her acting debut at 10 and has played numerous roles in historical, fantasy and romantic dramas.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of played

Verb

Then in spring training this year, Hollowell again messed around with different changeup grips while incorporating mental cues from previous coaches, and something clicked with a circle-change grip.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Dragstrem, who focuses more on production, has messed around with it but was left unsatisfied; McGill, who’s more lyrics-driven, wants nothing to do with the tech.

— Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026

Definition of messed around

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.

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putter (around)

puttered (around)

putterer

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“Puttered (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puttered%20%28around%29. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of puttered (around)

verb

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