toy 1 of 3

Definition of toynext

toy

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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
The age-gap romance is one that Statsky said the writers have been toying around with for quite some time. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026 Here, Matcha Milk toys the line between sweet and earthy, blending macadamia milk and vanilla with black tea and matcha accord. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
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
Forky’s introduction came in Toy Story 4, starting life as a plastic spork who was then fashioned into a toy thanks to some artful placement of pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks by Buzz and Woody’s current kid, Bonnie. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 LilyPad is still a toy that wants what is best for Bonnie, even if the end justifies the means. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
Verb
  • For tour this time around, Pillsbury is looking forward to playing larger venues, which offer space for grander production.
    Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • The elder Moniak, now 86, played six seasons in the Red Sox farm system from 1958-63, and like Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, was among the young outfielders who benefited from the tutelage of a special batting instructor named Ted Williams at spring training ‘61-63.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas sentenced a Chicago man to 76 years Thursday for gunning down a friend who was flirting with his girlfriend online.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
  • While the Penguins have been financially stable since 2007, when it was announced that a new building had been approved, the franchise has filed for bankruptcy multiple times and flirted with leaving for other cities on numerous occasions.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • These semi-dwarf shrubs have a nice, rounded form that maxes out at 4 or 5 feet wide and tall.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
  • Additionally, new facilities such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, are expected to discover more dwarf galaxies for researchers to study.
    Christopher Karwin, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • This was the Davis method in miniature — an executive willing to override conventional industry wisdom about what an artist should release, proved right by the market.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • For Gerber, the miniature serves as more than a nostalgic attraction.
    Daily News, Daily News, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Name the worry out loud, then choose a small boundary that protects your energy, such as turning off notifications during a demanding task.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
  • People milled about clutching small rainbow flags from the human rights organization Outright International.
    Hallie Golden, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Parents and grandparents have also embraced the family-friendly attractions around Decatur Square, including the new playground, the YMCA/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta mini-pitch, and the Atlanta United inflatable soccer pitch.
    Jamal Goss, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Although small, the latest iPad mini is powerful and capable, supporting Apple Intelligence.
    Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026
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
  • Enmeshed in scandal, the former duke and duchess of York have practically vanished from public view – and so have the queen's dinky golden furballs.
    Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • And pushing ‘go’ is what this dinky little Honda seems to be about.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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