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
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Recent Examples of toying
The formula is one of those shampoos formulated for a really great wash—delivering moisture and smoothing without toying too far into volumizing, densifying, or hair growth.
—
Ellie Davis,
Vogue,
25 June 2026
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
The bill is the result of six years of studying and toying around the edges of PBM issues.
—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
9 Apr. 2025
Ellie Davis,
Vogue,
25 June 2026
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
The bill is the result of six years of studying and toying around the edges of PBM issues.
—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
9 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toying
Verb
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Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
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Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
Verb
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This was offered as a way of talking about the Spanish capital on the whole, but it has been widely interpreted as flirting with 15-time Champions League winners Los Blancos.
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Like Friday, when a rookie lefty was flirting with a no-hitter in the middle innings, Bennett held New York hitless until Schuemann’s two-out homer in the fifth.
Verb
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Once the Minions stumble into Hollywood, the film pays homage to early slapstick cinema, recreating scenes made famous by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd.
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Persons recreating outdoors, or in campgrounds, should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.
Cite this Entry
“Toying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toying. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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