Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for messing around. Search instead for messingpartikels.

messing around

NOUN
dalliance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fling
STRONG
affair relationship seduction toying
WEAK
a little on the side amorous play carrying-on fooling around frolicking hanky-panky working late at office
Antonyms
WEAK
hastening hurrying push rush

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They need to know you’re not messing around.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

“If you’re a company who’s messing around with these types of practices on consumers, you’re watching how well they work,” said Lindsay Owens, executive director of Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive think tank.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Naylor, meanwhile, says he was just messing around.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

One clip of Bebe shows her messing around at home in an oversized hat while wearing a backpack.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2025

There were bright lights, which he didn't like, and he was cold, and someone was messing around with his belly button, which hurt.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry