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
-
Players who for years were starved for the chance to play meaningful games on behalf of their country now would be able to face-off for international bragging rights.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC News,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Robert De Niro appeared on The Late Show to promote his new Netflix series Zero Day, on which the actor plays a former U.S. president.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The 29-year-old has flirted with the number for a couple of seasons but just felt short.—
Tom Rende,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
On Valentine’s Day, the S & P 500 even flirted with a fresh all-time high before ending Friday’s session with a tiny loss.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Together, the blue stars and bubble are part of a dwarf galaxy that extends beyond the image border.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
-
But what of smaller astronomical bodies, like the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf satellite galaxy that is expected to collide with the Milky Way in 2.4 billion years?—
The Physics arXiv Blog,
Discover Magazine,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Is what he’s done a small sample size thing or something more?—
James Mirtle,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The gigs in smaller rooms than Simon has typically played, will allow the singer to perform the songs from Seven Psalms live for the first time.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
18 Feb. 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
-
In the back storeroom of the Olivera Egg Ranch in San Jose, Ed Olivera Jr., 76, gazed at miniature sepia and grey-tone photographs in an album splayed open on a long steel table.—
Jia H. Jung,
The Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2025
-
For renters who have hardwood floors and may not want to sweep or vacuum as much, Munden said those people should look at adopting any form of a poodle (miniature, toy and standard), the American hairless terrier, Great Danes and French bulldogs.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 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
-
But there is little consensus among locals as to what should be done with the proceeds of the lithium boom.—
John Bartlett,
NPR,
23 Feb. 2025
-
The sidewalks have been cleared of snow by little sidewalk snowplows.—
Joseph O’Neill,
The New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share