as in spends
to use up carelessly
fiddled away the entire evening surfing the Internet
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fiddles away
Verb
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The new fee structure charges a $60 per hour rate, even if an inspector only spends a half-hour on the property.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026 -
New York City spends more money per capita than any other major city in the country, but there’s no way to save money.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While the interplay of these competing atmospheres can be compelling, the overall effect loses its power as the novelty wears off.—
Maxie Younger,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Someone loses their memory and that knowledge is lost.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Police Department expects to be over budget by roughly $3 million by the end of the fiscal year, which runs through April 30, on overtime expenses, but Duncan said that doesn’t factor in the lawsuits that remain pending in court.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Petitt’s District 86 contract runs through June 30, 2029.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Last season, Penn State was a few throws away from reaching the national championship game, leading at halftime but falling to Notre Dame 26-23 in the Orange Bowl.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fiddles away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fiddles%20away. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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