coyness

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
  • 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
  • Drew had noted that their little bit of flirtation seemed a bad idea immediately.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
  • For some of you, this surprise might be a saucy flirtation.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Coyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coyness. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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