coquet 1 of 2

variants or coquette
Definition of coquetnext
as in to flirt
to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun a group of college students coquetting with each other at the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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coquet

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb coquet differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of coquet are dally, flirt, toy, and trifle. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When might dally be a better fit than coquet?

While in some cases nearly identical to coquet, 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 coquet?

The words flirt and coquet can be used in similar contexts, but flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

When is toy a more appropriate choice than coquet?

While the synonyms toy and coquet are close in meaning, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

When would trifle be a good substitute for coquet?

Although the words trifle and coquet have much in common, trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt.

to trifle with a lover's feelings

How does the verb coquet differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of coquet are dally, flirt, toy, and trifle. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When might dally be a better fit than coquet?

While in some cases nearly identical to coquet, 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 coquet?

The words flirt and coquet can be used in similar contexts, but flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

When is toy a more appropriate choice than coquet?

While the synonyms toy and coquet are close in meaning, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

When would trifle be a good substitute for coquet?

Although the words trifle and coquet have much in common, 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 coquet
Verb
In an era of never-ending microtrends—office sirens, tomato girls, and coquettes among them—finding your style can feel like a Herculean task. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coquet
Verb
  • Retired news anchor Eliott Rodriguez has also flirted with a run.
    Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The clash unfolds with comedic innuendos as both models inadvertently start to flirt with the same man, Charlie, the owner of the location where the photoshoot for the brand takes place.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Gaines finished Martin's sexy coquette look with gray knee-socks by Capezio and vintage black-and-white wedges by Nicholas Kirkwood.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Employing the teeniest of ruffles, this West Elm sheet set features just a hint of twee detailing, almost like a playful coquette.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • She is gifted with a lovely color of a lyric soprano suitable for roles in the spectrum from a lyric, lyric coloratura to a soubrette.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Not only did diners want to enjoy her singing in the cabaret, no doubt many could not resist coming to see for themselves the soubrette who had inspired such fury in the late George VI.
    Olivia Williams, Town & Country, 1 June 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Coquet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coquet. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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