toy 1 of 3

toy

2 of 3

adjective

toy

3 of 3

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
Chadha has been toying around with the prospect of a follow-up feature or television drama for two years, encouraged by the phenomenal increase in worldwide support for women’s football. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 July 2025 The bill is the result of six years of studying and toying around the edges of PBM issues. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
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 Scene transitions show toy cities, just like those used on the legendary children’s show, only Lloyd’s story is unfolding in Manhattan, rather than Pittsburgh. Rachel E. Greenspan, Time, 22 Nov. 2019
Noun
With a price tag of $150,000, Jetson is positioning its vehicle not as a toy for the wealthy but as a potential tool for first responders and mountain rescue missions. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025 The shop will carry popular toy brands like Lego, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf and more. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
Verb
  • Besides Adebayo, Miami’s only other available center was two-way contract player Vlad Goldin, who arrived from a G-League assignment but did not play.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The three titles that were won with fewer than 90 points were wrapped up with at least three games still to play, which led to an easing off in the final weeks.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • During one table read, Telfer orchestrated a plan to have Cusack sit beside him and share a script, flirting throughout the night.
    Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Following a 9-4 season and Alamo Bowl appearance, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders briefly flirted with potentially coaching the Dallas Cowboys during the offseason.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Most standard-sized fruit trees should be spaced about 20 to 25 feet away from each other and homes, but dwarf varieties can be planted closer together.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Look for orange trees that are compact in size, such as these dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The set has 740 pieces, including miniatures of the iconic characters.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • According to the first-ever Michaels crafting trend report, miniatures have had quite the comeback.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • At a time when the Mavericks need as much good will, or PR, as possible, filing a lawsuit against the Dallas Stars is petty, small and mean.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The Senate vote to temporarily reopen the government sparked intense controversy within the Democratic Party, as a small group of its senators joined Republicans in backing a deal that did not guarantee the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, a key Democratic priority.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There's 9-hole mini-golf, virtual reality, an escape room and a carnival with arcade-style games and an interactive mystery to solve.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Predator’s success takes the box office out of its October mini-slump.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Large clutches, like those at Bottega Veneta and Chanel, and comfortable shoulder bags like the Miu Miu multi-pocket bag, also featured.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Staring across the Hudson, the young architect imagined a helicopter lifting a trailer from a dinky New Jersey development and placing it on top of a building somewhere in Manhattan.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Those dinky 15-inch alloy wheels all boast disc brakes, too, but the car itself is front-wheel drive.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 1 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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