Synonyms for

Tinker

Verb / ˈtɪŋkɜ: / Another word for tinker — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a person who travels from place to place mending metal household utensils

Synonyms & similar words

muckaround putter chubmackerel monkey fiddle monkeyaround tinkerer messaround scomberjaponicus muckabout potter repairman handyman fixer artisan craftsman metalworker blacksmith welder solderer mechanic technician engineer builder maker fabricator creator inventor innovator designer developer

Synonyms by register

Formal

mend repair adjust fiddle

Informal

mess with play with fool with noodle with potter around

Literary

meddle tamper

Antonyms

neglect ignore abandon leave alone disregard discontinue

Common collocations

  • tinker with
  • tinker around
  • tinker on
  • tinker a solution
  • tinker with the engine
  • tinker with the code
  • tinker with the settings

Word family

noun tinker
verb tinker

Usage note

Often used to describe making small, often experimental, adjustments to something. It can sometimes imply a lack of deep understanding or a superficial attempt at repair.

Example sentences

  1. The tinker skillfully fixed the broken teapot.
  2. We called a tinker to fix our rusty gate.
  3. The tinker's wagon was filled with tools and equipment.
  4. My grandfather was a tinker who traveled all over Ireland.
  5. The tinker had a talent for repairing old clocks.

Quotes

  • A tinker's damn.
  • Tinkers are the world's nomads.
  • The tinker is a man of rare intelligence.

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