tinkered

VERB

fiddle with

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dabble mess

STRONG

doodle fix monkey niggle play puddle putter repair toy

WEAK

mess with muck about play with take apart trifle with

Antonyms

STRONG

break destroy work

WEAK

leave alone

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.

Pep's trademark possession football that goes backwards and sideways is definitely being tinkered with, with City and other leading teams now looking to play forward earlier - something I definitely approve of!

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The Badgers made seven of 11 three-pointers on the way to building a 20-point lead midway through the first half as Cronin continually tinkered with his lineup, trying to find a winning combination.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

Amorim tinkered his system once more to try and turn the tide, but his substitution of Casemiro left the Brazilian befuddled.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

Olivia Watts said she was "in tears" as she watched her grandparents Ron and Marilyn Hill take each other for a spin on Tuesday - before Ron tinkered on the famous Wurlitzer organ.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

There, Papa tinkered with the television knobs until it lit up.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals