Synonyms of flirt

flirt 1 of 2

noun

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

• wanton
• flirter
• vamp
• coquette
• coquet
• soubrette
• jade

flirt

2 of 2

verb

ˈflərt 

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

• tease
• toy
• fool
• trifle
• coquet
• woo
• kid
• vamp
• rib
• court
• frivol
• mash
• mess around
• manipulate
• razz
• dally
• play (with)
• lead on
• put on
• string along
• josh

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

• flit
• dart
• flutter
• dance
• flick
• fly
• scurry
• flicker
• zip
• wander
• flitter
• sail
• speed
• scuttle
• roam
• sprint
• scamper
• skip
• zoom
• zing
• shoot
• dash
• skitter
• meander
• ramble
• scud

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hang
• float
• hover

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

Recent Examples of flirt

Noun

The hole’s narrow fairway flirts with disaster on both sides – water and super high rough. — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026

Sliding effortlessly from incisive observer to chaotic flirt to exhausting narcissist, Firstman is never not in on the joke. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026

Verb

The neighbors gathered on the sidewalk to cry and hug each other and laugh about how the members of Squad 18 flirted constantly with beautiful young women who walked that busy street every day. — Peter Wilkinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

For the San Joaquin Valley, high temperatures will still flirt with or reach triple digits Friday, but will also tumble into the 80s by Sunday. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing flirt

• flirt (with)