Diddles around is an informal phrase that means to waste time or procrastinate. There are several synonyms for this phrase that can be used interchangeably, depending on the context. Some of the common synonyms include dawdle, loiter, linger, idle, putter, meander, and fritter away. All of these words convey a sense of not being productive or engaged in meaningful activity. Depending on the situation, some of these synonyms may be more appropriate to use than others. For example, dawdling may imply a lack of urgency or a leisurely pace, while frittering away may suggest a waste of useful resources.