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
Relevance
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
as in toylike
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 21 Aug. 2019
In recent seasons, the fashion industry has toyed between the chunky combat and the second skin; the western-inspired and the equestrian; the reimagined welly and the distressed biker—we’ve even witnessed the resurgence of the Chelsea boot thanks to Jonathan Anderson at Loewe.
—Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for toy
Verb
The faster chip and larger RAM options open a world of possibilities that the Pi community is just beginning to toy around with.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 21 Aug. 2019
In recent seasons, the fashion industry has toyed between the chunky combat and the second skin; the western-inspired and the equestrian; the reimagined welly and the distressed biker—we’ve even witnessed the resurgence of the Chelsea boot thanks to Jonathan Anderson at Loewe.
—Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2024
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
Try Amazon’s own toy subscription service, which boasts a subscription for children aged 3 to 13.
—Popular Science, 11 Oct. 2019
See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
Verb
-
Also, Foley dealt with concussion symptoms and never played in the NHL.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
The Athletic,
5 Mar. 2025
-
For a beauty brand that plays in both the fragrance and hair care arena, a hair perfume feels like a natural extension—after all, what many users associate with their favorite hair care products is, of course, a scent.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Getty Images Brown has been flirting with the mob wife look recently and the evidence has been popping up all over the red carpet.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
28 Feb. 2025
-
More importantly, Trump himself should ask his followers to stop flirting with extremist symbols for attention or political gain.—
Andres Oppenheimer,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The proximity of the Andromeda Galaxy to the Milky Way would have seen material ripped out of our galaxy to settle in the same orbital plane around the Andromeda galaxy and form the dwarf galaxies there, a bit like moons forming around a planet.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
This artist’s illustration depicts a dwarf galaxy that hosts an active galactic nucleus — an actively feeding black hole.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Beneath that ice, the light sensors recorded an astronomically small number of photons: an upper range of 0.04 micromoles per square meter per second, a number very close to the theoretical minimum amount of light that photosynthesis can run on.—
Asher Elbein,
WIRED,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The foyer is often a small space, so a hall tree can be overbearing.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 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
-
The new Petite Malle — a miniature version of Vuitton’s signature trunks — features a trompe-l’oeil design made to look like three trunks in one.—
Hannah Malach,
WWD,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Using medieval art as one resource, Ariès pointed out that children were often portrayed as miniature adults, without special attributes, such as plump features or silly behaviors, that might mark them as fundamentally different from their older counterparts.—
Anna Mae Duane,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Small storage space in the K4 is on the paltry side, as the center console is pretty dinky and the door pockets shallow.—
Kristin Shaw,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Everyone enjoyed dinky hors d’oeuvres and blinis, and sipped on champagne and Tommy’s margaritas with Don Julio.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The order’s vague framework has sparked concerns, particularly as Trump’s March 7, 2025, Crypto Summit is set to feature a narrow circle of industry elites, with little representation from diverse perspectives or consumer advocates.—
Tonya M. Evans,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
In many cases, these communities had gotten little federal attention for generations, Ortiz said.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share