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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of toying
The bill is the result of six years of studying and toying around the edges of PBM issues.
—
Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 9 Apr. 2025
Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 9 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toying
Verb
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Fellow City Section member Sylmar (24-12) is playing San Marin (21-13) for the Division V title at noon.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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Prior to the start of the current conflict, the IRGC was one of the most powerful organizations in the country, playing a dominant role in both internal domestic security and regional power projection.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the video, the two were seen flirting at TopGolf, quickly catching the attention of fans online.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2026
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Sorry, hello, Rob was flirting.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The routines gaining traction right now aren’t choreographed for TikTok — but fans are recreating them on the app anyway.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
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How to Make Crab Rangoon Garlic Bread The dish itself is actually pretty simple to make and saves you a lot of labor when compared to recreating a traditional crab rangoon at home.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toying. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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