1
as in played
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 flirted
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
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Recent Examples of toyed
Nevertheless, he's repeatedly toyed openly about the idea of running again in 2028.
—
Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
According to Wolpe, Billie toyed around with the placement of their bush on the terracotta planter in the shape of a woman in a sports bra and ponytail.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Joey Garrison, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
According to Wolpe, Billie toyed around with the placement of their bush on the terracotta planter in the shape of a woman in a sports bra and ponytail.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toyed
Verb
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The Timberwolves also played without starting forward Jaden McDaniels (right knee soreness) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (right calf soreness).—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Neither Green nor Booker played in the fourth quarter as the Suns cruised to the victory.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kelce has flirted with retirement the past two offseasons, but two straight disappointing finishes for the Chiefs may have played a role in his decision to come back one last time this fall.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
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Charlotte flirted with the team record for made three-pointers in a game Tuesday.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sansone, though, says the lien was executed years ago and the documents were recreated in 2026 due to loss of the initial paperwork.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
-
For example, costumes had to be recreated using more fire-retardant fabrics, and Beetz’s famous head of hair needed its own precautionary measures.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Fans are entitled to want to be entertained, and to be frustrated that the European campaign has been a struggle, as well as by the problems Palace have endured when confronted by 10 men on several occasions of late.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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United has long entertained the prospect of buying JetBlue, but remains disciplined on price, according to people familiar with the matter.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toyed. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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