toy 1 of 3

toy

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adjective

toy

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noun

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
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 Try Amazon’s own toy subscription service, which boasts a subscription for children aged 3 to 13. Popular Science, 11 Oct. 2019
Adjective
Clothing, shoes, toys, furniture and kitchen wares are among the items needed to help support the ongoing work of the Alliance for African Assistance and its Safari Seconds Thrift Store in San Diego. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025 Cocks said Hasbro is better positioned than many in the toy industry to handle the pressure from new tariffs. Nayeli Jaramillo-Plata, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
Noun
But up the middle, the Dodgers could toy around with different combinations nd experiment with myriad ways to maximize production. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Donald Trump’s Take President-elect Donald Trump has at least toyed openly with the idea that violence could be, in addition to being part of the problem, part of the solution. Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
Verb
  • No word on the role Koch is playing, and official plot details for the film are being kept under wraps, although it’s described as a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025
  • Bullock, 60, and Kidman, 58, who played sisters Sally Owens and Gillian Owens in the original movie, are both returning.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • But going all day Tuesday and Wednesday is flirting with overkill and asking too much, even of the devout slackers.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Donald Trump has flirted with the ideology, and his administration has hired multiple staffers who appear sympathetic to the white-nationalist influencer Nick Fuentes, a believer in race science.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Sunscreen is another item that makes sense to buy in miniature.
    Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
  • Or an assortment of your favorite Disney characters, rendered in miniature, adorning the Adilette Clog 2.0?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Although dwarf cats may appear especially cute, owners should be mindful of the potential health consequences of selective breeding and be prepared for ongoing care needs.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • Some of the stunts and effects in this list absolutely dwarf that amount.
    Joe Salas June 07, New Atlas, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • In the snap, the mother-of-two looked as fashionable as ever, this time styling the supportive shoes with a navy linen mini dress and gold jewelry.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • The two little cuties are our minis, Aubrey and Walker.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • While the headline-grabbing CEOs are interesting, hearing the stories of smaller companies is absolutely fascinating.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The local government of the small and far-from-wealthy hometown of Pope Leo XIV has voted to acquire the former Robert Prevost’s childhood home as a future museum.
    Howard Husock, National Review, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Built with water-resistant polyester, this spacious duffel has a dedicated shoe compartment, an end pocket for wet or dirty clothes, a multi-pocket compression panel for organization, and an interior divider curtain that can be removed to hold bulky clothes or outdoor gear.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Collection includes special-edition versions of the iconic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX with adaptations—think canvas pockets and easy-carry heel straps—inspired by a classic multi-pocket garden tote and workwear bucket bag often used on construction job sites.
    Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • Her dinky dimensions are a small piece of Pearl’s story, though a large part of Semler’s.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
  • There's a wind-deflecting screen, which would only make sense if this thing's designed to gallop at north of 50 miles an hour (80 km/h), and behind that, a dinky little full-color dash.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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