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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There were rows of records, stacks of photos and the original Midnite Jamboree stage where legends like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Garth Brooks once played.—
Laura L. Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In the iconic film, Spacek — who stars in the new film Die, My Love — played the title character, a misfit high schooler.—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Albernaz, who flirted with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last winter, tied the knot with the Baltimore Orioles last week.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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Dick’s has flirted with same-day delivery before.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In a series of high-pressure, high-temperature experiments designed to mimic the fiery beginnings of a young planet, scientists recreated the extreme environment where such worlds' molten rock and hydrogen gas interact.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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The Heeler family home is recreated in uncanny detail—from Bandit’s armchair to the backyard barbecue—with interactive games (led by a cheeky garden gnome named Rhonda), music, and secret nooks that delight kids and grown-ups.—
Alli Forde,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Much of that extra time was spent setting the stage for the next performance, but there was plenty to keep guests entertained between takes.—
Patrick Gomez,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
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In between performances, while the crew was breaking down and setting up on stage, there was a lovely MC keeping the crowd entertained.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toyed. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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