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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Example Sentences
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 -
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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There was a flirtation with Aaron Rodgers and a vested interest in Daniel Jones, yet both quarterbacks signed elsewhere due to the Vikings' investment in McCarthy.—
Trevor Squire,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Oct. 2025
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That means more reassurance, more validation, even flirtation — whatever keeps the user coming back.—
Windsor Johnston,
NPR,
30 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Coyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coyness. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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