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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

Naylor, meanwhile, says he was just messing around.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

While sharing a photo of the table, Jenner revealed that she actually had a mishap with it while messing around with her kids.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 30, 2025

They call out answers loudly, write on the board, sing songs and there are even a few naughty kids messing around at the back of the class.

From BBC • Oct. 15, 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

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