screw around

as in to cheat
to be sexually unfaithful he hired a private detective because he thought his wife was screwing around

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 screw around Ernesto and George were checking out the trailer, screwing around and being boys, the night Reynolds secretly came to the site to finish the plan. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 Although, die-hard Richard Mille lovers will notice this is the first time the brand has changed the iconic screws around the outer edge of the bezels to Torq set screws, which has head slots that are distinctive and different from the norm. Rebecca Suhrawardi, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 But there’s still huge potential for rooftop solar, which can help cities stay powered when wildfires or other disruptions batter the larger electric grid — an increasingly common problem as the climate crisis screws around with global weather systems. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023 Related Story Alexandra Daddario Posed Naked On IG Alexandra doesn’t screw around with her fitness. Korin Miller, Women's Health, 20 June 2023 Or to screw around in the sand? Pete Lyons, Car and Driver, 11 Mar. 2023 What if some big musician is screwing around at sound check and sings one of [Spinal Tap’s] songs. Melinda Newman, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 Our gas giants don't screw around. Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screw around
Verb
  • The scandal exposed how some wealthy families cheated and bribed to secure spots for their children at elite universities, sparking nationwide outrage over denied opportunities for more deserving students.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t the first time that the couple was surrounded by cheating rumors.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dern has a history wearing Hearst, notably stepping out in the designer's creation for the actress' first-ever Met Gala in 2017.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Both cougars stepped out and dashed off.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Screw around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screw%20around. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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