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
The Hunting Wives strips away any coyness about sexuality in the first three minutes of episode one.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
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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Between January and June, Jupiter in Cancer activates your expressive fifth house, highlighting themes of romance, flirtation, pleasure and creative passion.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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However, the true romantic highlight of Season 4 thus far is the burgeoning lust, yearning and flirtation Lady Violet shares with Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis).—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
29 Jan. 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 Feb. 2026.
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