flirt 1 of 2

as in wanton
a person who playfully shows another amorous attention he's just a harmless flirt, so don't take him seriously

Synonyms & Similar Words

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flirt

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to tease
to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun the servers at that restaurant flirt with all the customers

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to flit
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements lazily watched the butterflies flirting among the wildflowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flirt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flirt are coquet, dally, toy, and trifle. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

When is coquet a more appropriate choice than flirt?

In some situations, the words coquet and flirt are roughly equivalent. However, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When could dally be used to replace flirt?

The synonyms dally and flirt are sometimes interchangeable, but dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement.

dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

When might toy be a better fit than flirt?

Although the words toy and flirt have much in common, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

In what contexts can trifle take the place of flirt?

The meanings of trifle and flirt 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 flirt
Noun
Sincere flirts prioritize emotional bonds over physical attraction, using self-disclosure and high quality listening, which fosters perceptions of care and closeness. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 In a funny throwback to the series’ roots, Bridget’s former boss and lover, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), previously presumed dead in a plane crash but now very much alive, is back as a dear friend, albeit still an outrageous flirt. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
The selloff continued at open on Monday, with the index falling another 4% in early trading and even flirting with bear market territory — defined as a 20% decline from recent highs. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025 Many White Lotus fans got an increasingly queasy feeling watching the siblings flirt with the boundaries of what is appropriate throughout the first half of Season 3. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flirt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flirt
Noun
  • The felling of at least 13 trees on public sidewalks over more than a week has sparked outrage across the city, with some suggesting the wanton vandalism marked a new low for a city that has been struggling with manifold social and economic crises.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • She was charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Apple has teased generative AI features coming in iOS 18, and investors will be listening closely for hints from CEO Tim Cook ahead of June’s WWDC.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Man teased scavenger hunt clues Police said someone called in a tip about Facebook posts Nicholson allegedly made.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Endemic species of long, segmented bristle worms and tiny crustaceans graze on bacteria mats and flit among fields of chemosynthetic tube worms, growing thick as grass.
    Christian Elliott, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
  • During a hike through Robinsons Island, visitors can spot boreal chickadees, red crossbills and yellow warblers flitting along the branches, while the refuge’s many beaches are perfect for spotting shorebirds like the willet and greater yellowlegs.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • My eyes darted left and right, searching for my assailant in the storm.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, your pup will dart to your room and wolf these down instantly.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That was probably a terrible decision, in fairness, but Meazza responded by faking a shot to fool a defender, then teed up Piola to score.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • While the towering shoes may seem intimidating, don’t let their large, often chunky heels fool you: PLatform shoes are among the most comfortable heels in any wardrobe.
    Nina Derwin, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While some birds can flutter in place momentarily, the hummingbird can hover in one place for an extended period, fly forward or backward, and move at an incredible speed.
    Ernie Cowan, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Less enjoyable: being assaulted by the insects that are fluttering around the porch lights, just waiting for an opportunity to be ushered indoors.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Dacus had been toying around with the ideas behind the song for a while: the beautiful minutiae of sharing a life with someone, and betting on love in the face of inevitable change.
    James Factora, Them, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Crystal Palace After toying in the past with the idea of returning to the club’s original home a couple of miles across south London in Crystal Palace Park, plans to redevelop Selhurst Park (an idea first floated by then chairman Ron Noades in the 1990s) were announced in 2017.
    Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • By 60 months, the child does not sing, dance, or act for you.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The goal was the result of a sensational play by Theodore, who collected a puck at the blue line, danced into open ice, froze Gustavsson with a slap shot fake, and fed Dorofeyev for a one-timer into a wide-open net.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flirt. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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