flirt 1 of 2

Definition of flirtnext
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

Relevance

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

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
Fire up the flirt pole Cats have teaser wands, dogs have flirt poles. Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 White breaks down where to meet men based on four different flirt styles. Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Kings are currently flirting with ending the season with the fourth-worst record or lower. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Mar. 2026 All three defeats were of the Q1 variety, but the Tigers are now flirting with the danger zone. Jim Root, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flirt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flirt
Noun
  • His characters enjoy casual conversation but don’t brook wanton confession.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Armond Langford, 32, is facing multiple charges including robbery, kidnapping, assault, wanton endangerment, fleeing/evading police, burglary and persistent felony offender.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The all-new Rivian R2, which was teased two years ago, may defy the current state of the industry, which has seen sales of EVs slump and automakers cancel upcoming models.
    Morgan Korn, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • UConn got the last laugh in Philadelphia — well, at least 76ers center Andre Drummond did when the former Huskies star came over to tease fellow Sixers center and former UCLA standout Adem Bona in the waning moments.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On the waterfront, saffron finches flit between yellow shutters and almond trees.
    Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The American always had the engine and work rate to flit between defensive and attacking duties in a central midfield berth.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Here, Matcha Milk toys the line between sweet and earthy, blending macadamia milk and vanilla with black tea and matcha accord.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
  • President Trump—who once considered Epstein a close friend and is referenced in many emails—has toyed around with the concept for years.
    Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • After their 24th loss in 34 home games, the Kings darted off to Salt Lake City for a date with the Utah Mammoth on Sunday.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Enright, on the right side, darted toward net along the goal line and ricocheted a shot off the post into the net to cap the scoring.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Don't be fooled, Fraser's first Oberon kegs of the season still went to good use, with Oberon Day bringing in serious business.
    Jack Springgate, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
  • In 2007, Google fooled the world with 'Google Paper,' a service that would print your emails and mail them to you.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Patrick Kane took a shot from the point that fluttered through traffic and bounced off Compher, who was parked at the goalpost.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • There’s a Super 8 projector pointed at a set of red velvet curtains, which flutter apart only for the man himself.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, that global temperature record that DiCaprio mentioned in his acceptance speech in 2016 seems almost trifling compared to what has happened since.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Meek lives with her dad, Smooch (Will Cobbs), a former Black Panther who now runs a roller rink, and her not-to-be-trifled-with grandma, Puddin (Lizan Mitchell).
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flirt. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on flirt

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster