coquettish

adjective

Definition of coquettishnext
as in kittenish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest an 18th-century painting of a coquettish maiden dallying with a young moonstruck gallant

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 coquettish For a vintage summery style, pair a coquettish white kitten heel with a navy polka dot dress. — Natalie Arroyo Camacho, InStyle, 27 July 2026 With sheer fabrics, lightweight materials, and vintage touches, Bella Hadid succumbed to the most coquettish piece of the moment. — Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 31 May 2026 The desire for mental stimulation, variety and excitement is undeniable, but beneath all of the coquettish energy, something vulnerable is also starting to unfold. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 The intelligence official, who helps train America’s newest generation of overseas intelligence officers, said these pretend tourists feign a lack of English, adopt a coquettish manner and play dumb to probe the area’s perimeter and identify its weak and strong points. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026 Additional coquettish details came from ruffles at the bodice of the dress and lace peeking above the neckline. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 Simply brushing them out of your eyes can feel like a coquettish, kittenish gesture! — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 Feb. 2026 Their pearly-white feathers and coquettish long necks have been popping up all over the home decor space in recent months—on tabletops, in paper form, and even in lighting. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2025 Nab this charming bag, which comes in all sorts of coquettish florals and prints that flawlessly fit the aesthetic. — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coquettish
  1. kittenish
  2. coy
  3. flirtatious
  4. demure
Adjective
  • Simply brushing them out of your eyes can feel like a coquettish, kittenish gesture!
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Seductively kittenish, Gardner lives up to her profane reputation.
    — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2023
Definition of kittenish
Adjective
  • Harry Styles made a coy reference to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Madison Square Garden nuptials while performing at the venue on Saturday night.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Aug. 2026
  • However, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was coy about whether Smith would start against the Steelers.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of coy
Adjective
  • What began as a flirtatious game of truth or dare initiated by an unknown account quickly spiraled into extortion.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At the bar, Britt gives him the business, but with an unmistakably flirtatious undertone.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of flirtatious
Adjective
  • Sofia the First boasts a princess who is not demure, but instead loves adventure and stands up for what’s right.
    — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 4 July 2026
  • Despite the actress’s desire for something more demure, the dress itself was actually quite ornate.
    — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
Definition of demure

Browse Nearby Words

coquetting
coquettish
coquettishness
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Cite this Entry

“Coquettish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coquettish. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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