flirt 1 of 2

as in wanton
a person who playfully shows another amorous attention he's just a harmless flirt, so don't take him seriously

Synonyms & Similar Words

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flirt

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to tease
to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun the servers at that restaurant flirt with all the customers

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to flit
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements lazily watched the butterflies flirting among the wildflowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flirt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flirt are coquet, dally, toy, and trifle. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

When is coquet a more appropriate choice than flirt?

In some situations, the words coquet and flirt are roughly equivalent. However, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When could dally be used to replace flirt?

The synonyms dally and flirt are sometimes interchangeable, but dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement.

dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

When might toy be a better fit than flirt?

Although the words toy and flirt have much in common, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

In what contexts can trifle take the place of flirt?

The meanings of trifle and flirt largely overlap; however, trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt.

to trifle with a lover's feelings

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of flirt
Noun
In the visual, Faith is in a bar singing about and to her love interest, as Thornton performs onstage, flirts, and drinks his way through the night. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025 Someone who plans extravagant dates and shows you off…but also flirts with others or lies about small things in ways that leave you second-guessing your worth. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
Amongst the dividers, the three other contestants are real singles hoping to flirt their way into the creator’s heart. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025 Powell doesn’t just mean that stock prices are flirting with record highs. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flirt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flirt
Noun
  • He was arraigned in February on charges of fourth-degree assault and first-degree wanton endangerment, county court records show.
    Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Huger was ultimately charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Jay Som is teasing her new album Belong (out Friday) with a song featuring Hayley Williams.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The creative teams tease what's ahead in 2026 from IDW Dark.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Waiters flit by with watercolor-red curlicues of marbled pork, baskets stacked with lettuce leaves.
    Irene Yoo September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Birds flit around Atsu’s head and lead her to points of interest.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Phillies continued to give him the bunt sign, but Mookie Betts did not dart from shortstop to third base until the last moment.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Renda darted in for a 6-yard TD run, keyed by a 42-yard Parker Harris punt return to the Keller 40.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Super blue moons can also occur, but don’t be fooled by the name.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
  • But don't let the name fool you — this Matlock isn't a straight remake of the '80s legal drama starring Andy Griffith.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Union Jack bunting fluttered overhead.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Coomes has seen unexplained orbs fluttering in upstairs offices on the security cameras.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In 2019, Lung made a deal with Pop Mart, a company that caters to toy connoisseurs and influencers, to sell the figurines.
    Fortune, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
  • On the heels of his success with Outer Banks, Lilah's father began to toy around with the idea of a show that details the origin story of a band, which would eventually turn into The Runarounds.
    Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Quit dancing around the dialogue as Mercury and Chiron clash.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The clip finds Meg rocking camo pants, tan boots and a wool hat while dancing to the track in the studio.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flirt. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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