flirtation

noun

Definition of flirtationnext
as in flirtatiousness
the attitude or behavior of one who insincerely courts the amorous attentions of others somehow got the bizarre notion that flirtation was appropriate during a job interview

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 flirtation Just look at the discourse surrounding LSU and Kiffin's recruiting efforts from Tiger fans and beat writers following the news of Royal's flip to Florida and Hudson's open flirtation with Nebraska. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Past albums have varied between melodic indie rock, jagged art rock, and even flirtations with hardcore. — Brendan Hay, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026 And yet Melody also clearly engaged in some level of showmance — or at least super-duper mutual flirtation — with Drew, making for one of the franchise’s oddest romantic partnerships yet. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026 Further complications ensue as Wyatt and Kai’s flirtation escalates in ways that are supposed to make viewers feel uncomfortable, but not grossed out. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 Despite their pointy protrusions, the sculptures are not spiky enough to leave a mark; and despite their flirtations with touchy subject matter, none of the works—not even the 9/11 ones—are vulgar enough to get Wolfson in hot water. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 This extends to the series building a side plot around McConaughey’s recurring flirtation with launching a bid for the Texas governorship. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026 Maluma’s playful, confident verses add another layer of flirtation, while Shakira’s unmistakable vocals bring both sensuality and command to the track. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026 After years of upheaval in Florida State athletics—including a then-unprecedented flirtation with private equity and a bitter legal fight with the Atlantic Coast Conference—the school has parted ways with athletic director Michael Alford. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flirtation
  1. flirtatiousness
  2. coquetry
  3. coyness
  4. play
Noun
  • Evocative animation, with subdued blue hues and soft lighting, conveys the flirtatiousness of their rapid connection in a scene where the two swim together in a pool at night.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of flirtatiousness
Noun
  • The three-inch heels that the women wear when performing the dance are visible at the bottom of the skirt—a demure bit of coquetry.
    — Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2022
  • In other words, the most dizzying and most consequential storyline of Michigan’s offseason — Harbaugh’s coquetry with the Minnesota Vikings notwithstanding — is going to linger a while longer.
    — Michael Cohen, Detroit Free Press, 27 July 2022
Definition of coquetry
Noun
  • There is her coyness about her future plans, and her own recent memoir.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The Hunting Wives strips away any coyness about sexuality in the first three minutes of episode one.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of coyness
Noun
  • Major reports about its immigration actions and pay-for-play operations have gotten significant airtime on the network and praise from Weiss.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Armstrong, appearing in his first NFL game as a rookie out of Cincinnati, hauled in a catch with an athletic play over the middle for 13 yards and a first down.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of play

Browse Nearby Words

flirt
flirtation
flirtatious
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Cite this Entry

“Flirtation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flirtation. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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