FLIRT Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'flirt' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flirt are coquet , dally , toy , and trifle . While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object. // flirted with one fashionable ism after another

Q: When is 'coquet' a more appropriate choice than 'flirt'?

In some situations, the words coquet and flirt are roughly equivalent. However, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention. // companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

Q: When could 'dally' be used to replace 'flirt'?

The synonyms dally and flirt are sometimes interchangeable, but dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement. // dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

Q: When might 'toy' be a better fit than 'flirt'?

Although the words toy and flirt have much in common, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers. // a political novice toying with great issues

Q: In what contexts can 'trifle' take the place of 'flirt'?

The meanings of trifle and flirt largely overlap; however, trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt. // to trifle with a lover's feelings

flirt 1 of 2

noun

Definition of flirt next

as in wanton

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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flirt

2 of 2

verb

ˈflərt

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flirt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flirt are coquet, dally, toy, and trifle. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

When is coquet a more appropriate choice than flirt?

In some situations, the words coquet and flirt are roughly equivalent. However, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When could dally be used to replace flirt?

The synonyms dally and flirt are sometimes interchangeable, but dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement.

dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

When might toy be a better fit than flirt?

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

a political novice toying with great issues

In what contexts can trifle take the place of flirt?

The meanings of trifle and flirt largely overlap; however, trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt.

to trifle with a lover's feelings

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

In one scene, Walker watches as Choppa flirts with a woman during her own photoshoot. —

Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2024 Polite flirts often focus on building a connection slowly, ensuring that their behavior aligns with social norms and avoids any form of inappropriate advances. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Verb

Thompson flirted with the lead with three birdies on the front nine before Scheffler (who started on the back nine) got into the mix. —

Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 This is far from the first time that Ye has flirted with controversy, and isn't even the first time he's praised Nazis. —

Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for flirt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flirt

Noun

Among other concerns, the wanton killing of Afghan fighters and civilians was viewed as destroying trust between foreign troops and the civilian population.

— Mark Landler, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The jihadists do still manage to dupe some Muslims into signing up for their cause, but most Muslims are horrified by their wanton killing of Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

— William McCants, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2015