toys

verb

present tense third-person singular of toy
1
as in plays
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 flirts
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

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 toys 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toys
  1. plays
  2. flirts
  3. sports
Verb
  • The rear tire plays a different role from its conventional use on roads.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But the technology operating above Earth plays an enormous role in everyday life.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of plays
Verb
  • Between Jordan’s charm and Misty’s smile that only emerges around him, the film flirts with becoming a romantic comedy.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Hal flirts with Kerry; John has an affair with Zoe (Poorna Jagannathan), the wife of William Macon (Garret Dillahunt), a local cattle mogul whose compound has more high tech weaponry than a mere human would seem to need.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of flirts
Verb
  • In one photo, Gellar poses with Rocky, who sports a buzz cut and racing gear.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The company currently sports a P/E above 40, which screens as expensive.
    — Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sports

Browse Nearby Words

toylike
toys
toys (with)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toys. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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