Fool
Mess with
Mess with verb - To handle thoughtlessly, ignorantly, or mischievously.
Usage example: please don't mess with the buttons on the camera
Mutual synonyms
Both terms in one sentence
- Abed plans to 'mess with' Troy by using the classic sitcom set up for this, except that he didn't fool Troy for a second.
Source: Mistaken for Aliens - The line "You can fool with your brother, But don't mess with a missionary man" in the chorus of the Eurythmics song "Missionary Man" implies that the singer has at least had thoughts in that direction, whether or not she's actually done anything.
Source: Brother Sister Incest / Music -
Bellscut Oglecrop Obrathon Ragglewaithe Audube Baggscut (Boorab the fool) Papa Wolf: Matthias is an all around nice person throughout the series, but mess with Cornflower, Mattimeo or Redwall abbey in general and you'll meet the end of his blade.
Source: Literature / Redwall
Cite this Source
Mess with and Fool. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/fool/mess_with
Fool & Mess with. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/fool/mess_with>.
Mess with or Fool. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/fool/mess_with.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "fool" and "mess with" have occurred on timeline