"Monkeying around with" is a colloquial phrase used to describe someone who is goofing around or wasting time on something. There are several synonyms that can be used in place of this phrase, depending on the context in which it is being used. Some possible alternatives include "playing around with," "messing about with," "fooling with," "slacking off on," or "dallying with." All of these phrases imply a lack of seriousness or purpose in one's actions, and they can be used to describe anything from idling away time to tinkering with a project without any real goal in mind. Whether you're a writer looking to vary your vocabulary or simply someone looking for a more precise way to describe your own actions, these synonyms can help you communicate your ideas more effectively.