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
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
Adjective
Hogan was on prime-time talk shows, Saturday morning cartoons, on the cover of cereal boxes, featured at toy stores with his action figures. Marc Raimondi june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 The crew shared images of their mission's zero-g indicator, a plush baby swan toy named Joy. Poland, Hungary and India have all had astronauts fly to space before, but never to the ISS. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
But up the middle, the Dodgers could toy around with different combinations nd experiment with myriad ways to maximize production. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Donald Trump’s Take President-elect Donald Trump has at least toyed openly with the idea that violence could be, in addition to being part of the problem, part of the solution. Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
Verb
  • The Liberty were overpowered by a refreshed Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever squad while playing shorthanded without Jonquel Jones.
    Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • There was a time when everyone at a crypto event saw themselves as an outsider, and the VC industry viewed crypto venture capitalists as a different breed playing a different game.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump's middle son joined the long-standing family practice of flirting with national politics in a June 27 interview that could mark the beginnings of a new dynasty.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 29 June 2025
  • The two have flirted with the idea of a romantic relationship many times since then, but have yet to truly go there onscreen.
    EW.com, EW.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Sunscreen is another item that makes sense to buy in miniature.
    Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
  • Or an assortment of your favorite Disney characters, rendered in miniature, adorning the Adilette Clog 2.0?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the stunts and effects in this list absolutely dwarf that amount.
    Joe Salas June 07, New Atlas, 7 June 2025
  • Brooks investigates the same kind of phenomenon, but in the cores of dwarf galaxies.
    Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The red-and-white print on this mini is giving Cape Cod meets countryside picnic.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
  • Large black and white polka dots took form in crochet mini dresses and matching two-piece sets at Herrera, offering a range of laidback summer style to sophisticated cocktail attire that’ll replace your go-to LBD.
    Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The veteran would be a small upgrade in the outfield for the Padres.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Deerhoof is a small mom and pop operation, and know when enough is enough.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 June 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
  • Her dinky dimensions are a small piece of Pearl’s story, though a large part of Semler’s.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2025
  • There's a wind-deflecting screen, which would only make sense if this thing's designed to gallop at north of 50 miles an hour (80 km/h), and behind that, a dinky little full-color dash.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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