play with
Amuse oneself using
To play with something is to handle or manipulate it, often idly or experimentally: She played with her necklace while talking, He played with the idea of moving abroad.
With people, it can mean to toy with their emotions or deceive them: Don't play with her feelings.
It also means to engage in play alongside someone: The kids played with the neighbors all afternoon.
Playfully attract attention
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter
- tauntInsulting provocation
- mockScornful imitation or fake
rib · jest · provoke · tantalize · trifle · dangle · string along · lead on
Mender of metal household wares
- exploreTravel to discover
- dabbleEngage superficially
- try outTest before committing
- testEvaluative examination
mess around · trial · prototype · iterate · improvise · sandbox · brainstorm · discover
flirt
Playfully attract attention
mock · rib · jest · provoke · tantalize · trifle · dangle · string along · lead on · wind up
tinker
Mender of metal household wares
test · mess around · trial · prototype · iterate · improvise · sandbox · brainstorm · discover · curiosity
handle
Part for gripping
finesse · work · operate · fidget · spin · twist · roll · squeeze · shape · mold
instrument
Device for specific tasks
violin · keys · strings · jam · improvise · riff · practice · ensemble · band · musician
play withwork on
Apply effort to improve
work at · concentrate on · focus on · attend to · study
play withtake seriously
Treat as significant
leave alone · put down · set aside · ignore · disregard
play, with, player, playful, playing, played, players, playfully, plaything