1
as in to play
to engage in activity for amusement
the cat toyed with the mouse it had caught, batting it about
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to flirt
to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun
likes to toy with men whom she has no intention of actually dating
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in dwarf
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of toy
Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Here, Matcha Milk toys the line between sweet and earthy, blending macadamia milk and vanilla with black tea and matcha accord.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Micolette Davis, Chron, 19 Nov. 2020
Scene transitions show toy cities, just like those used on the legendary children’s show, only Lloyd’s story is unfolding in Manhattan, rather than Pittsburgh.
—Rachel E. Greenspan, Time, 22 Nov. 2019
Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Known for their indestructible qualities, each toy features a knotted rope, squeaker and crinkle, and spiked toy ball inside.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for toy
Verb
The age-gap romance is one that Statsky said the writers have been toying around with for quite some time.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Here, Matcha Milk toys the line between sweet and earthy, blending macadamia milk and vanilla with black tea and matcha accord.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
That's why the Chron Shopping team has picked out some of our favorite non-toy gifts for kids to keep children engaged, active, and happy.
—Micolette Davis, Chron, 19 Nov. 2020
Scene transitions show toy cities, just like those used on the legendary children’s show, only Lloyd’s story is unfolding in Manhattan, rather than Pittsburgh.
—Rachel E. Greenspan, Time, 22 Nov. 2019
Noun
In honor of her August 2023 pick, Summer Sisters, the TV personality shared a trio of throwback photos with Barbara, including this snap of the pair driving around in a toy car in 1986.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Known for their indestructible qualities, each toy features a knotted rope, squeaker and crinkle, and spiked toy ball inside.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
Verb
-
After Tuesday’s game at Miami, the Braves have two more divisional games with the Marlins yet to play, followed by a home series against a hot-hitting Washington Nationals team (also within the division) this weekend.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
20 May 2026
-
Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
If the Jets defense can improve from allowing the second-most points in the league to average, the Jets could flirt with making a playoff bid in 2026.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
Because if Vitello can’t handle a simple case of a star player forgetting the outs at a critical juncture of the game against an archrival, who is to say what will be accepted next for a team that’s already flirting with effective playoff elimination?—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Semi-dwarf varieties grow to between 3 and 8 feet tall, while giant sunflowers grow at least 8 feet tall.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
11 May 2026
-
French marigolds offer excellent pest protection, available in both dwarf and full sizes to suit any garden space.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Lopez’s day bag will feature miniature bags as pockets on the exterior, and the miniatures will also be released as separate bags.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
-
The campaign introduces 12 miniature, readable book charms based on titles chosen collaboratively with Gen-Z consumers.—
Kian Bakhtiari,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Eggs, sushi, and crypto The account paid attention to smaller stories, too.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
-
East is a boutique hotel, some condos, and a small residential neighborhood with a few local restaurants.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Operated by The Salvation Army, the shop serves warm mini-doughnuts to cruise visitors all summer.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Inside is a gamer’s paradise, with Skee-ball, mini-golf and arcade games.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Large clutches, like those at Bottega Veneta and Chanel, and comfortable shoulder bags like the Miu Miu multi-pocket bag, also featured.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Built with water-resistant polyester, this spacious duffel has a dedicated shoe compartment, an end pocket for wet or dirty clothes, a multi-pocket compression panel for organization, and an interior divider curtain that can be removed to hold bulky clothes or outdoor gear.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
And pushing ‘go’ is what this dinky little Honda seems to be about.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Rooms are in muted tones of grey, green, and dusky blue, and even the smallest have plenty of space with king-size beds and a table and chairs—the city views are more interesting, but the ones overlooking the courtyard have dinky Juliette balconies as a consolation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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