1
as in playing
to engage in activity for amusement
the cat toyed with the mouse it had caught, batting it about
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flirting
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toying
Verb
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Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025 -
The Chiefs also were playing without rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals, who is recovering from an injury.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Emmett was falsely accused of flirting and making advances at Bryant Donham.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
31 Aug. 2025
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Yet, for whatever reason, many Americans can’t stop flirting with pessimism.—
Norbert Michel,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For example, Milwaukee Revealed will include an exhibit recreating features of the Schlitz Palm Garden, a real beer hall that opened in 1896.—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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The chefs design menus that take their lead from the movies, maybe recreating a dish featured in the film or putting a spin on an entree or appetizer that lines up with a location or character.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
30 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Toying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toying. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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