What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toyed
Example
The child toyed with the puzzle pieces, trying to fit them together. [toyed: verb]
Example
She toyed with the idea of quitting her job and traveling the world. [toyed: verb]
Example
He toyed with her hair, trying to get her attention. [toyed: verb]
fiddled
Example
He fiddled with his guitar, trying to find the right chord. [fiddled: verb]
Example
She fiddled with the settings on her phone, trying to improve the battery life. [fiddled: verb]
Example
He spent the whole afternoon fiddling with his computer instead of working on his project. [fiddling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fiddle is more commonly used than toy in everyday language, especially in the context of making small adjustments or wasting time.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between toyed and fiddled?
Neither toy nor fiddle is particularly formal or informal, and both can be used in various contexts depending on the tone and register of the speaker.
