as in nothing
something of little importance
let us not speak of trifles when our nation may be going to war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to play
to spend time in aimless activity
spent a lazy afternoon trifling on the front porch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of trifle
Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
His trifle looks fantastic with a sponge collar, which gives it the air of wallpaper in an Italian boutique hotel.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2024
Arsenal might be informed that things could have ended differently had Arteta spent a trifling $120 million on a striker in January.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for trifle
Noun
Sky-high trifles, rich and creamy puddings, homemade candy– the holidays are a great time for decadent desserts.
—Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
His trifle looks fantastic with a sponge collar, which gives it the air of wallpaper in an Italian boutique hotel.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
The scorers of eight goals, while giving up a trifling one.
—Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2024
Arsenal might be informed that things could have ended differently had Arteta spent a trifling $120 million on a striker in January.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for trifle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trifle
Noun
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When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
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Why did her mom press so hard for the littlest of nothings?—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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During one table read, Telfer orchestrated a plan to have Cusack sit beside him and share a script, flirting throughout the night.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
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Following a 9-4 season and Alamo Bowl appearance, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders briefly flirted with potentially coaching the Dallas Cowboys during the offseason.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Peat fit in well with Arizona’s veteran lineup, as the freshman didn’t force the issue and played within the offense.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Jan. 2026
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Guys were playing hard, everybody on that drive was doing their job, and getting guys down on the ground.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Society has rationalized the human into triviality, and we’re stuck in a bad game.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
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Who was this irritant who had eluded the most sophisticated lawmen in the country, thanks to the triviality of his crimes?—
David Grann,
New Yorker,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The weekly planner also includes a habit tracker, monthly budget sheets, doodling pages, gratitude lists, and end-of-year wrap-ups to reflect, celebrate, and prepare for your next glow-up.—
Raquel Reichard,
Refinery29,
16 Dec. 2025
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Bruce would doodle in the margins, and that’s there.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
11 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Trifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trifle. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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