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
  • Later on, after the guests have left, this cheating convention makes Kaylee nervous.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There are people out there saying that the Brewers are cheating.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheating
Verb
  • By shifting the paradigm from post-hoc tracking to active, closed-loop neural guidance, the LumiSleep D1 provides a practical demonstration of how non-invasive BCI technology is stepping out of academic laboratories and into everyday routines.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This week, Katie Holmes delivered something of a style coup, stepping out wearing not one, but two trending accessories.
    — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of stepping out

Browse Nearby Words

screwing
screwing around
screwing up
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Cite this Entry

“Screwing around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwing%20around. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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