as in cheating
to be sexually unfaithful
he hired a private detective because he thought his wife was screwing around
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of screwing around
What if some big musician is screwing around at sound check and sings one of [Spinal Tap’s] songs.
—
Melinda Newman, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Melinda Newman, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screwing around
Verb
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Most people would agree that cheating and planning a school shooting are hardly equal offenses, and Borgli doesn't totally stick the landing by sweeping Emma's past impulses under the rug.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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In the past, Bravo has resumed filming when controversies including its shows have arisen, most notably with the Vanderpump Rules season 10 cheating scandal called Scandoval.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Other rules include prohibiting mound visits, as well as stepping out of the batter's box between pitches and bunting.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Apr. 2026
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Spring means a lot of things — flowers are blooming, days get longer, and many folks are finally stepping out of the cold.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Screwing around.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screwing%20around. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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