coyness

noun

Definition of coynessnext
as in coquetry
the attitude or behavior of one who insincerely courts the amorous attentions of others an actress better known for her come-hither coyness than for her acting chops

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 coyness 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coyness
  1. coquetry
  2. flirtation
  3. 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
  • Yet these survivors are so hard-wired to be fearful of their neighbors that Hig and Cima’s rusty, tentative flirtation takes place under the gaze of her daddy’s gun, a heck of a chaperone.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Now, in Season 2, Issa is on the lookout for signs that her boyfriend is crushing on another housemate, while Anton and Paul Baker keep a watchful eye on one another, as much to quell further flirtation as to savor it.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of flirtation
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

Browse Nearby Words

coy
coyness
coyote
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Cite this Entry

“Coyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coyness. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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