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 daughter of screenwriter Arnold Manoff and Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress/director Lee Grant, Dinah Manoff played Marty Maraschino, the Pink Ladies' biggest flirt. — Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026

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

Verb

Less than seven minutes into Friday’s 125-111 loss to the Boston Celtics, the Bulls already were flirting with a double-digit deficit. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Such is the inverted morality of this world that Hesione is relieved to learn that Ellie has in fact arranged an assignation with the handsome Hector, who has flirted with the young woman under a flagrant alias. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing flirt

• flirt (with)