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toy

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb toy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of toy are coquet, dally, flirt, and trifle. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

When can coquet be used instead of toy?

While in some cases nearly identical to toy, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When would dally be a good substitute for toy?

In some situations, the words dally and toy are roughly equivalent. However, dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement.

dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

In what contexts can flirt take the place of toy?

The words flirt and toy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

When could trifle be used to replace toy?

The meanings of trifle and toy largely overlap; however, trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt.

to trifle with a lover's feelings

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of toy
Verb
But up the middle, the Dodgers could toy around with different combinations nd experiment with myriad ways to maximize production. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Donald Trump’s Take President-elect Donald Trump has at least toyed openly with the idea that violence could be, in addition to being part of the problem, part of the solution. Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
That's why the Chron Shopping team has picked out some of our favorite non-toy gifts for kids to keep children engaged, active, and happy. Micolette Davis, Chron, 19 Nov. 2020 Try Amazon’s own toy subscription service, which boasts a subscription for children aged 3 to 13. Popular Science, 11 Oct. 2019 See All Example Sentences for toy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toy
Verb
  • Baty plays second base on days when Vientos starts at the hot corner, and Vientos gets DH days to get Baty at third.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
  • Both Earps and Hampton have played a very similar number of minutes and faced a very similar number of shots, but Earps’ shot-stopping has not been as strong, conceding 1.6 goals more than expected, based on the quality of shots faced.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Cameron flirted with a no-hitter in his first start and made MLB history with his numbers through two.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
  • Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting, while Tyrese Haliburton flirted with a triple-double with 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting, eight rebounds and 11 assists.
    Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Based on the famed Brothers Grimm tale, the story follows a princess who is rescued by seven dwarf miners who make Snow White part of their household after she’s exiled into a dangerous forest by her wicked stepmother.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Incredibly, Mu Cas was likely formed in a dwarf galaxy that became part of our Milky Way even before the disk of our own galaxy formed.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ellie finds a small fishing boat to take her across the water to the aquarium.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • To meet rising demand, companies sprang up and began churning out rides – smaller versions for traveling carnivals and larger ones for town squares and amusement parks.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Built with water-resistant polyester, this spacious duffel has a dedicated shoe compartment, an end pocket for wet or dirty clothes, a multi-pocket compression panel for organization, and an interior divider curtain that can be removed to hold bulky clothes or outdoor gear.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Collection includes special-edition versions of the iconic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX with adaptations—think canvas pockets and easy-carry heel straps—inspired by a classic multi-pocket garden tote and workwear bucket bag often used on construction job sites.
    Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • At parties, Lee showed off his miniature Minox camera and bragged that he was engaged in spycraft.
    Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The original miniature portrait has been lost to history.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • There's a wind-deflecting screen, which would only make sense if this thing's designed to gallop at north of 50 miles an hour (80 km/h), and behind that, a dinky little full-color dash.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Small storage space in the K4 is on the paltry side, as the center console is pretty dinky and the door pockets shallow.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The 29-year-old Towns came into Game 5 listed as a game-time decision with a knee contusion, but showed little signs of discomfort in the dominant win.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
  • In Madrid, little is known about Bellingham’s social life.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toy. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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