as in tampering (with)
to handle thoughtlessly, ignorantly, or mischievously
please don't play with the telephone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playing (with)
manipulating
Verb
-
With Danny held hostage, Maria’s life begins to flourish and that star pupil, Pauline, inches ever-closer to her favorite docent as sympathies slip away and oscillate between characters, the film making quick work of manipulating mounting emotions.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
26 Sep. 2025 -
The video appears to show Lauren manipulating and firing the gun, but it’s recorded from a distance and has no sound.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
25 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Playing (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playing%20%28with%29. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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