as in to play
to spend time in aimless activity
we've been goofing around long enough; it's time to get some real work done
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to kill time
to spend time doing nothing
returned home unannounced and found the au pair goofing off
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to fumble
to make a mistake
we must have goofed up somewhere, because this cake clearly didn't turn out right
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to blow
to make or do (something) in a clumsy or unskillful way
he goofed up his first sale at the dealership
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goof (around)
Noun
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This film is set days after Christmas and follows three slacker friends who are hired to transport a troubled teen across the country.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025 -
Nicely played by Keanu Reeves, the character is the embodiment of every slacker screwup who’s going to just stumble through life, knocking over everything and everyone in his path.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As a chef’s kiss, Manning plays for Texas, a yearslong egocentric underachiever that plenty of college football fans love to hate.—
Blake Toppmeyer,
USA TODAY,
9 Oct. 2025
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Trigg was labeled as an underachiever by scouts as an underclassman and is still proving himself in several areas (on and off the field), but his talent is undeniable and improved consistency in 2025 will help suppress any concerns.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Goof (around).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof%20%28around%29. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
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