tinker

verb

Definition of tinkernext
as in to horse around

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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 tinker Unterman gifted Techamuanvivit the recipe, and the Thai chef proceeded to tinker with it. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 Megan and Cupcake have no shortage of gadgets, gizmos and imagination to tinker with. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 It’s further been established that investors who check and tinker with their portfolios less frequently outperform over time. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 On the offensive side of the ball, Miami has an embarrassment of riches for offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson to tinker with. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tinker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinker
  1. horse around
  2. idle
  3. dawdle
  4. lounge
Verb
  • Also, don’t get too out of control horsing around with friends in the water.
    — John Natale, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
  • According to McGrady, the only royal who didn’t enjoy the time away in the Highlands was the late Princess Diana, who didn’t fit in with the family’s outdoorsy vibes and didn’t enjoy riding horses around the property due to a fall as a child.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of horse around
Verb
  • Diesel engine idling and high-risk industrial activity across the street from homes and parks would bring air, noise and light pollution.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • And Rovell quickly discovered Kobe’s mind was incapable of idling, even during dead-of-night text exchanges.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of idle
Verb
  • Gvardiol looked jittery early on, rallied a little to break up some dangerous Porto attacks, but then started giving the ball away again and was booked for a needless pull after being caught dawdling in possession.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Don’t dawdle, though, as the air temperature in the room or your warm hand on the glass can transfer their thermal energy to melt the rest of the ice and then begin to raise the temperature of your drink!
    — Matthew Koss, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of dawdle
Verb
  • If lounging by the water gets old, the resort runs a wide range of complimentary activities, from yoga sessions to an aloe scrub–making class.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Dress it up with a skirt or trousers for holiday celebrations, date nights, and other special occasions, or team it with leggings for a comfy yet cute outfit to lounge in.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of lounge

Browse Nearby Words

tininess
tinker
tinkered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tinker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinker. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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