tinkering

Definition of tinkeringnext
present participle of tinker

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinkering
Verb
  • Other steps like keeping tires inflated, using A/C sparingly as needed, using cruise control, avoiding long idling, and servicing your vehicle regularly can also significantly help save fuel, GasBuddy recommends.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Think of children waiting at bus stops as the wind snapped trees, or parents idling in carpool lines as the tornado warning notifications blared on their phones.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The pair had been loafing for some time among a grove of apple trees on a private residence in Payson.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Within a few moments, an antlerless deer emerged, loafing along toward Ronnie, completely unalarmed.
    Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Further, there’s no excuse for Congress to continue dawdling on farm policy.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Faster pit stops could also help unlock sales for electric two-wheelers, which have been slow to catch on due to dawdling charge times and limited riding range.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Mar. 2023
Verb
  • Bevel was horsing around with the Reverend James Orange and Andy Young in the courtyard under King's balcony, according to Orange.
    Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
  • In April 2020, Iglesias shared a video of him horsing around with Lucy and Nicholas as the pair attempted to climb on his back for a ride.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Harbor seals are still lounging around the bay through the end of April.
    Susan McDonald, The Providence Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Craftsman bungalow style features handcraftsmanship and natural materials and colors; the houses have wide porches framed by columns that invite lounging.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Like a lot of artists, Zard Apuya remembers being the kind of kid who was always doodling or drawing.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Their two oldest sat behind them in a drab conference room, doodling or staring blankly at the screen.
    Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
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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Cite this Entry

“Tinkering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinkering. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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