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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Curry, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and It, played serial killer and rapist Billy Flynn in the fifth and sixth seasons of the show.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
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Crowder, a key component to the Heat’s run to the 2020 NBA Finals, last played in the league last season with the Sacramento Kings.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Initially, Pitaro flirted with stealing Romo from CBS.—
Andrew Marchand,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
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The Colorado legislature has flirted with the idea of a public option.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Real Floridians share their firsthand accounts of viral incidents, which are then recreated with irreverent humor.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
30 Jan. 2026
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These flight attendants, dressed in Pan Am vintage uniforms, took care of passengers on a two-week, European adventure that recreated an iconic Pan Am Flying Boat route.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Unlike other game-day snacks like chips or popcorn, where flavors and textures can get a little one-note after a while, ALDI’s Cajun Trail Mix keeps your taste buds entertained with different flavors—salty, sweet, and spicy—and different textures, too.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
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For families From bingo and splash dodgeball to movie nights and art classes, there’s plenty to keep families entertained.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toyed. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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