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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flirt
wanton
Noun
-
The felling of at least 13 trees on public sidewalks over more than a week has sparked outrage across the city, with some suggesting the wanton vandalism marked a new low for a city that has been struggling with manifold social and economic crises.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
-
She was charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flirt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flirt. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share