trifle 1 of 2

Definition of triflenext

trifle

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb trifle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trifle are coquet, dally, flirt, and toy. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt.

to trifle with a lover's feelings

When could coquet be used to replace trifle?

The meanings of coquet and trifle largely overlap; however, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When might dally be a better fit than trifle?

The words dally and trifle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement.

dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

When is it sensible to use flirt instead of trifle?

The words flirt and trifle can be used in similar contexts, but flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

In what contexts can toy take the place of trifle?

Although the words toy and trifle have much in common, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

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 trifle
Noun
Travolta’s infectious enthusiasm carried over into the movie itself, a semi-autobiographical trifle about his childhood love of air travel. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026 Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before assembling the trifle. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 12 May 2026
Verb
Bake off scraps of pie dough (either plain or with a sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar) until golden and crisp, then crumble into sundaes, parfaits, trifles, and more. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025 The aging Airy had devoted his observatory to stellar measurements that now produced trifling improvements to navigation. Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trifle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trifle
Noun
  • While CinemaCon 2026 brought us exciting news about new films, it was also bogged down with status quo nothings about how Amazon MGM still hasn’t found a new James Bond.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas sentenced a Chicago man to 76 years Thursday for gunning down a friend who was flirting with his girlfriend online.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
  • While the Penguins have been financially stable since 2007, when it was announced that a new building had been approved, the franchise has filed for bankruptcy multiple times and flirted with leaving for other cities on numerous occasions.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
    Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • After debuting in 2007, The Big Bang Theory entertained viewers with the everyday trivialities and obsessions of friends who work in science.
    Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
  • For Rayo’s Conference League play-off second leg against Belarusian side Neman Grodno in August, neither the desks for the media (a triviality) nor the toilets for disabled supporters (a disgrace) had been finished in time.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His cardboard sign is written in marker pen, a tiny Chivas shirt doodled in its corner.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • Reading on a beach chair in the shade using the Kobo Libra Colour (8/10 WIRED Recommends), which is waterproof, has color E Ink, and has a mode for doodling down ideas with a stylus.
    Martin Cizmar, Wired News, 18 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trifle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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