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
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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
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flirt
Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
In a funny throwback to the series’ roots, Bridget’s former boss and lover, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), previously presumed dead in a plane crash but now very much alive, is back as a dear friend, albeit still an outrageous flirt.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Trump and his allies have flirted with the idea of the president unconstitutionally running for a third term next general election cycle, but Trump himself backed off that idea in a Sunday interview with NBC News.
—Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flirt
Noun
Sincere flirts prioritize emotional bonds over physical attraction, using self-disclosure and high quality listening, which fosters perceptions of care and closeness.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
In a funny throwback to the series’ roots, Bridget’s former boss and lover, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), previously presumed dead in a plane crash but now very much alive, is back as a dear friend, albeit still an outrageous flirt.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
While the market has roared back to life in recent weeks, the S & P 500 flirted with bear territory on an intraday basis as Trump’s initial announcement created uncertainty and ratcheted up fears of a recession.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Trump and his allies have flirted with the idea of the president unconstitutionally running for a third term next general election cycle, but Trump himself backed off that idea in a Sunday interview with NBC News.
—Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flirt
Cite this Entry
“Flirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flirt. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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