toy 1 of 3

verb

Definition of toynext
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

toy

2 of 3

adjective

as in dwarf

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

toy

3 of 3

noun

as in miniature

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb toy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of toy are coquet, dally, flirt, and trifle. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

When can coquet be used instead of toy?

While in some cases nearly identical to toy, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When would dally be a good substitute for toy?

In some situations, the words dally and toy are roughly equivalent. However, dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement.

dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

In what contexts can flirt take the place of toy?

The words flirt and toy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

When could trifle be used to replace toy?

The meanings of trifle and toy largely overlap; however, trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt.

to trifle with a lover's feelings

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of toy
Verb
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 Four years later — and after the Broncos had toyed unsuccessfully with finding his replacement — Morton teamed with a new coach, his former Cowboys teammate Dan Reeves. — CBS News, 12 May 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
Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Other features include a keychain hole, a quick-access hook, and a magnetic fidget toy, which is less about utility and more about tactile focus, utilizing the remaining surface space on the tool. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
  1. play
  2. flirt
  3. dwarf
  4. miniature
  5. small
  6. mini
  7. pocket
  8. dinky
Verb
  • Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
    — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of play
Verb
  • The remainder of the match played out much the same as the rest with Paraguay playing a brusque style of physical soccer, which at times flirted with unsportsmanlike play that went unpunished by the referee.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of flirt
Adjective
  • These semi-dwarf shrubs have a nice, rounded form that maxes out at 4 or 5 feet wide and tall.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
  • Until then, the two dwarf galaxy siblings will stick together, even if the big brother does continue to pick on the little one.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 June 2026
Definition of dwarf
Noun
  • Schnauzers of all sizes—miniature, standard and giant—are classified as hypoallergenic.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • This was the Davis method in miniature — an executive willing to override conventional industry wisdom about what an artist should release, proved right by the market.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of miniature
Adjective
  • In contrast, instruments on the FireSat satellites will be able to detect small brush and roadside fires 16 feet across.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.
    — Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Definition of small
Noun
  • No land purchase, no village-wide permitting fight, no waiting twelve to eighteen months for a mini-grid to come online.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Equal parts functional and fashionable, this linen mini skort offers comfortable coverage for the office, hotel bar, and everywhere in between.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
Definition of mini
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
  • My favorite and most-used is the Patagonia Baggies Brimmer ($50), which looks like a safari hat and should probably be matched with one of those tan, multi-pocket vests.
    — Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 1 June 2021
Definition of pocket
Adjective
  • Stretching out a dinky tape measure that keeps shimmying or bending or snapping back into the roll.
    — Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 14 June 2026
  • Enmeshed in scandal, the former duke and duchess of York have practically vanished from public view – and so have the queen's dinky golden furballs.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 June 2026
Definition of dinky

Phrases Containing toy

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toxins
toy
toyed
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Cite this Entry

“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on toy

Nglish: Translation of toy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about toy

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