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Definitions

monkey business

NOUN
shenanigans
Synonyms
WEAK
absurdity absurdness antics buffoonery carrying-on clowning around craziness disobedience foolery foolishness hanky-panky high jinks hokey-pokey horse feathers horseplay inanity insanity irresponsibility ludicrousness lunacy misbehavior mischief mischief-making monkeyshine nonsense poppycock prank silliness stupidity tommyrot

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.

“That was more than enough monkey business for us,” the department said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce Momo’s capture.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 5, 2023

Ron Kaufman, a McDaniel supporter and longtime RNC member from Massachusetts, said it is rare for members to walk away from public endorsements, though there is always room for some monkey business.

From Washington Times • Jan. 26, 2023

That focus leaves Picasso in slight shadow, gives Braque his fair due and crowns a new champion of media monkey business and painterly legerdemain.

From New York Times • Nov. 11, 2022

The days of monkey business may be over.

From Slate • Oct. 12, 2022

In Axelroot’s case, as I have mentioned, it frequently turns out to be monkey business.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver