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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While Congress currently appears inclined to reject those reductions, most universities are playing it very cautiously with respect to research and graduate education commitments, given the uncertainty that’s likely to continue at the federal level.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026 -
Mesidor lacks ideal length and turns 25 in April after playing six college seasons.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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He's spent the last three seasons flirting and dodging anything serious, but season 4 finally gives him his own love story.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
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There was a lot of flirting and smiling going on.—
Emy LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Curious about what opportunities could arise, Ellis took photos of himself recreating Smith's magazine poses, per the outlet, and he was instantly booked.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
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The images accompanying this story show protesters recreating the act at demonstrations outside Iran, not the woman featured in the original viral video.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
19 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Toying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toying. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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