What Is Another Way to Say “Playing Around”?

Looking for synonyms for playing around? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say playing around.

  • Fooling around
  • Messing around
  • Horseplay
  • Monkeying around
  • Goofing off
  • Mucking about
  • Larking
  • Fiddling around
  • Dallying
  • Frolicking
  • Romping
  • Cavorting
  • Jesting
  • Skylarking
  • Frivoling

Want to learn how to say playing around professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Fooling Around

Appropriate Use: Suitable for casual, non-serious behavior often in a playful or distracting manner.
Example: “During the team-building retreat, employees enjoyed fooling around with various outdoor activities.”

2. Messing Around

Appropriate Use: Best for informal situations where individuals engage in activities without serious intent.
Example: “He was just messing around with the new design software to get a feel for it.”

3. Horseplay

Appropriate Use: Used to describe rough or boisterous play, typically physical in nature.
Example: “The manager advised against any horseplay in the warehouse to prevent accidents.”

4. Monkeying Around

Appropriate Use: Suitable for playful or silly behavior, often in a mischievous way.
Example: “The interns were monkeying around in the break room and accidentally spilled coffee on the floor.”

5. Goofing Off

Appropriate Use: Ideal for engaging in playful or frivolous activity instead of serious work.
Example: “During the slow business season, employees were often found goofing off in the lounge area.”

6. Mucking About

Appropriate Use: Used for aimless or playful activity, often in a British English context.
Example: “They were just mucking about with some ideas for the upcoming marketing campaign.”

7. Larking

Appropriate Use: Suitable for carefree, mischievous, or playful activities.
Example: “The team went larking on the beach after a successful project launch.”

8. Fiddling Around

Appropriate Use: Best for aimlessly or uselessly messing with something, often out of boredom.
Example: “He was fiddling around with his phone during the meeting, not paying attention to the discussion.”

9. Dallying

Appropriate Use: Ideal for non-serious involvement in activities, often delaying more important tasks.
Example: “She was dallying with various fonts and colors instead of finalizing the report.”

10. Frolicking

Appropriate Use: Suitable for lively and playful actions, typically in a joyful and carefree manner.
Example: “After the conference, the team was seen frolicking in the hotel’s recreational area.”

11. Romping

Appropriate Use: Used to describe energetic and playful activities, often in an outdoor setting.
Example: “The team enjoyed a day of romping in the park during the company picnic.”

12. Cavorting

Appropriate Use: Best for lively or noisy activities, especially with others in a jubilant manner.
Example: “At the office party, employees were cavorting to the music and having a great time.”

13. Jesting

Appropriate Use: Suitable for joking or engaging in light-hearted banter.
Example: “During the coffee break, coworkers were jesting about the humorous side of their work.”

14. Skylarking

Appropriate Use: Ideal for running and jumping around in play; engaging in high-spirited fun.
Example: “During the team outing, some members were skylarking on the beach.”

15. Frivoling

Appropriate Use: Used to describe engaging in trivial or frivolous activities.
Example: “Instead of working on their assignments, they were frivoling away time with online games.”

Linda Brown