coquettish

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 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 Pink lace trim and bow accents give a standard French tip a pretty, coquettish touch. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 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
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
Adjective
  • Park, hitherto a fount of articulate thoughts, is suddenly coy.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The mayor didn’t play coy when asked if he was invited and attending the wedding.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Or Desdemona, the flirtatious woman about whom a man could have suspicions.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
  • One scene that stands out to Brett involved a flirtatious conversation that fans only saw a small portion of.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Put on Pulse Points The fact that ladies look so demure lightly tapping their wrists and neck with perfume isn't the only reason it's been a long-time beauty tradition.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
  • Despite the actress’s desire for something more demure, the dress itself was actually quite ornate.
    Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coquettish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coquettish. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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