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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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 yarns of Joe Turner interweave gradually, everyday chit-chat, bargaining, and flirtation interlocking over time with threads of mysticism — both the ghosts of a brutal history and the ancestral spirits that stand protective and defiant like a phalanx of angels with shining swords.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Apr. 2026
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Just know that secret crushes, behind-the-scenes flirtations and late-night conversations could steal your attention during this time.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 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 3 May. 2026.
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