Toy (Verb)
Meaning 1
Manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination; "She played nervously with her wedding ring"; "Don't fiddle with the screws"; "He played with the idea of running for the Senate".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- She toyed with the idea of starting her own business, but wasn't sure if it was the right time.
- Hetoyed with the pen in his hand, absently clicking the button repeatedly.
- She began to toy with the idea of writing a novel, creating characters and plotlines in her mind.
- As he waited for the interview, he toyed with his tie, adjusting the knot repeatedly.
- The businessman toyed with different merger proposals, weighing the benefits and risks of each.
Synonyms
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Meaning 2
Behave carelessly or indifferently; "Play about with a young girl's affection".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- She toyed with his emotions, never truly intending to commit to the relationship.
- The celebrity toyed with the idea of a new comeback album for years but never followed through.
- He should be more responsible and not toy with her feelings like that.
- The company toyed with different marketing strategies before finding one that worked.
- The government official was accused of toying with the public's trust for personal gain.
Synonyms
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Meaning 3
Engage in an activity as if it were a game rather than take it seriously; "They played games on their opponents"; "play the stock market"; "play with her feelings"; "toy with an idea".
Classification
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.
Examples
- The government was accused of toying with the economy, implementing policies without considering the long-term effects.
- He has been toying with the idea of starting his own business but hasn't mustered the courage to take the leap.
- The scientists toying with the genetic makeup of the organism were experimenting with something extremely delicate.
- By dangling the possibility of a promotion and then withdrawing it, she felt that her boss was toying with her.
- The team was toying with the score, pushing their opponents hard and creating an exciting display of athleticism.