1
as in playing
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 flirting
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toying
Verb
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Rookie Anthony Belton, playing right tackle for an injured Zach Tom, had a holding penalty that negated a 39-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025 -
But there is something to getting in a room and all playing music together, which is what that record was born from.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Designers Maxwell Osbourne and Dao-Yi Chow have been flirting with a brand relaunch, and what better time than fashion week?—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
13 Sep. 2025
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Anaheim has a recent history of flirting with a gate tax.—
Michael Slaten,
Oc Register,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Bianca’s career took her from recreating dust devils (a kind of whirlwinds) on Mars for NASA, to leading cross-functional teams in Berlin and London.—
Lisa Falco,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The hairstyle would go on to become a global phenomenon during the show's run, and saw fans of the program flocking to their nearest hair salons with the hopes of recreating the popular look.—
Starr Bowenbank,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Toying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toying. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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