mess around with (something)

idiom

informal

: to use or do (something) in a way that is not very serious

I'm not really a painter; I just like to mess around with paints.

She spent the evening messing around with the computer.

: to handle or play with (something) in a careless or foolish way

Stop messing around with the stereo.

Examples of mess around with (something) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

No need to mess around with bug spray thanks to this tiny machine that takes just 15 minutes to reach maximum protection, can work for up to nine hours straight, and covers a field of 20 feet to shield you from those pesky bugs. —

Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2024 The four intensity levels are indicated with an LED light, so there aren’t many different buttons or features to mess around with here. —

Neha Tandon, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024 As its name suggests, this place doesn’t mess around with the good stuff. —

Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 29 July 2024 Luxury Mother's Day gifts aren’t something to mess around with. —

Eliza Huber, refinery29.com, 3 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mess around with (something)

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Style

“Mess around with (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mess%20around%20with%20%28something%29. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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