1
as in played
to engage in activity for amusement
the cat toyed with the mouse it had caught, batting it about
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flirted
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of toyed
Nevertheless, he's repeatedly toyed openly about the idea of running again in 2028.
—
Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
According to Wolpe, Billie toyed around with the placement of their bush on the terracotta planter in the shape of a woman in a sports bra and ponytail.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
According to Wolpe, Billie toyed around with the placement of their bush on the terracotta planter in the shape of a woman in a sports bra and ponytail.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toyed
Verb
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Super Bowl 60 will be played between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, California.—
Samantha Neely,
Florida Times-Union,
8 Feb. 2026
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Porziņģis, who was acquired just before Thursday’s deadline from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, has played in just 59 games over the last two seasons because of various health issues.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Oh, and Tools for Humanity is also a crypto purveyor that flirted with, and then ditched, the idea of providing a universal basic income.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
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Illinois lawmakers recently flirted with a tax on unrealized gains—think of stocks yet to be sold at fluctuating prices that only exist on paper—before retreating.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Not the musical theater version of the Green Day album, but the original album recreated in its entirety sung by multiple vocalists and a live band.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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Alongside the artifacts that inspired this project, the team recreated the aromas of mummification in ancient Egypt.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Supporters have since shifted to reducing and eliminating interest rates on federal loans, which even some Republicans have entertained.—
Neetu Arnold,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
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Neon Grove is the place for kids aged 8 to 12, entertained with activities that include gaming consoles and skee-ball.—
Fran Golden,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toyed. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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