flirt 1 of 4

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

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flirt

2 of 4

verb (1)

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flirt (with)

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verb (2)

as in to woo
to act so as to make (something) more likely you're flirting with death by driving so recklessly

Synonyms & Similar Words

flirtation

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noun (2)

as in flirtatiousness
the attitude or behavior of one who insincerely courts the amorous attentions of others somehow got the bizarre notion that flirtation was appropriate during a job interview

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
From one-quarter to one-third of the 48 continental states will be flirting with records for March, Gallina said. ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 Areas closer to the District may flirt with 80°. Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
Over-flirtation, ridiculous situations. Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026 Some of you also might begin a secret flirtation or a romance with someone in a position of power. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flirt

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Cite this Entry

“Flirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flirt. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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