as in coquetry
the attitude or behavior of one who insincerely courts the amorous attentions of others
an actress better known for her come-hither coyness than for her acting chops
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Recent Examples of coyness
There is her coyness about her future plans, and her own recent memoir.
—
Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
The Hunting Wives strips away any coyness about sexuality in the first three minutes of episode one.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
The Hunting Wives strips away any coyness about sexuality in the first three minutes of episode one.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coyness
Noun
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The three-inch heels that the women wear when performing the dance are visible at the bottom of the skirt—a demure bit of coquetry.—
Fernanda Pérez Sánchez,
Vogue,
8 Aug. 2022
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In other words, the most dizzying and most consequential storyline of Michigan’s offseason — Harbaugh’s coquetry with the Minnesota Vikings notwithstanding — is going to linger a while longer.—
Michael Cohen,
Detroit Free Press,
27 July 2022
Noun
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The possibility of a Chase and Taylor flirtation causing a rift with Miranda is briefly raised and just as swiftly quashed — through large mouthfuls of chips and salsa, Taylor assures Miranda at the sip-and-see that there is no there there.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
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Over-flirtation, ridiculous situations.—
Maer Roshan,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Evocative animation, with subdued blue hues and soft lighting, conveys the flirtatiousness of their rapid connection in a scene where the two swim together in a pool at night.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Coyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coyness. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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