flirt 1 of 3

as in wanton
a person who playfully shows another amorous attention he's just a harmless flirt, so don't take him seriously

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flirt

2 of 3

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

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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

flirt (with)

3 of 3

verb (2)

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

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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
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.

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