as in fiddled (around)
to spend time in aimless activity
we've been goofing around long enough; it's time to get some real work done
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for goofed (around)
Verb
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Not too long ago, artificial intelligence was more or less a science project in which data scientists and developers fooled around with one-off small or test projects.—
Joe McKendrick,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Curry, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and It, played serial killer and rapist Billy Flynn in the fifth and sixth seasons of the show.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
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Crowder, a key component to the Heat’s run to the 2020 NBA Finals, last played in the league last season with the Sacramento Kings.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Goofed (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goofed%20%28around%29. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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