screwing around

verb

present participle of screw around
as in cheating
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 screwing around The informative thing was Lestat screwing around with me. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 June 2026 Mercedes is truly not screwing around with the new EQS. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Apr. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screwing around
  1. cheating
  2. stepping out
Verb
  • Rather than being the abusive, manipulative and ultimately homicidal husband that prosecutors alleged, Sabatini described Millete as a tragic figure who was being emotionally and psychologically abused and gaslit by his cheating wife.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • After getting caught cheating during a crew battle by using members from other gaming crews, I was blacklisted by the 3DS community for a couple of months.
    — Kenneth Okeke, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Definition of cheating
Verb
  • Lena Dunham was spotted in the back of an SUV, while producer Jack Antonoff was photographed by paparazzi stepping out in an oversized black blazer and matching slacks.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The couple enjoyed a date night in New York City, stepping out for dinner at Bourbon Steak New York.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of stepping out

Browse Nearby Words

screwing
screwing around
screwing up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Screwing around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwing%20around. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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