teasing 1 of 3

Definition of teasingnext

teasing

2 of 3

adjective

teasing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of tease

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 teasing
Noun
This was 1967, back when teachers said teasing should be ignored. Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 His teasing took on a sharper edge. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026 Each rendezvous, complete with soap opera–worthy drama—hoarding, cheeky teasing, Alex Honnold–worthy climbing, slow-mo acrobatics, and aggression that made gathered onlookers gasp—further cemented our similarities as species. Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026 The one teasing bit of historical intrigue comes when Le Bail’s lawyer (Elijah Wood) insists that the rules state each clan must attack Grace and Faith using weapons from the era in which their ancestors made their satanic pact. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026 Overall, Mau took his time letting mixes build, extending a teasing, slow burn style that exemplified restraint and good taste, and always paid off when the beat dropped. Katie Bain, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2026 Cawood introduced Gavitt — a snippet of Cawood’s remarks were carried on the telecast, subjecting him to considerable teasing — who spoke live on national television at the front of a Hyatt ballroom full of people. Bill Hancock, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026 Most of the threat to Iceland came from wingers Lauren James on the left and Lauren Hemp on the right, who cut inside delivering teasing crosses. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026 The video prompted some unexpected playground-level teasing and a surge in Big Arch interest. Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Or when Reggie purposefully annoys Arthur by having his son, Carmelo (Jalyn Hall), practice with his a cappella group in Arthur’s editing suite, a move that demonstrates the increasingly teasing affection between Arthur and Reggie. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
The conversation includes some light teasing about each other’s attachment styles — the intimate banter of close friends. Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026 On April 30, Beyoncé updated her website to feature a photo of Destiny’s Child alongside rock legend Stevie Nicks, teasing a potential collaboration. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026 Madonna, meanwhile, is back in circulation, coming off Coachella appearances and teasing new music with Sabrina Carpenter. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026 On Tuesday, April 28, the singer and rapper shared a post on Instagram featuring multiple snaps from her 38th birthday celebrations, as well as teasing the release date for her upcoming album, Bitch. Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke is teasing that Amazon has expressed interest in developing ideas from this world. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026 The album has been long expected, as Grande has been teasing it with photos of herself in the studio and announced a summer tour launching in June. Jem Aswad, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026 Morgan Rogers fired wide from the ensuing chance, yet the sweeping move — teasing passes before going through the gears as play progressed upfield — was what Villa often desire, but can sometime lack. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 The footage, revealed on April 22, adopts a dark and scary tone, teasing a body horror film that will be a total departure from anything fans have seen from the DC Universe so far. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for teasing
Noun
  • An ally in public As the MeToo movement focused attention on women facing harassment in the workplace, Swalwell publicly positioned himself as a champion of women.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
  • Facing these smear-site claims, Baldoni in particular was still loathed to cop to any of the harassment or digital punking, sources tell me.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • DaPron and Neeley have frequently posted TikTok videos together of them joking about butting heads as sisters, playing tennis and participating in trends.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Liam keeps joking about it on Twitter.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For a brief moment, there was a new 48-hour countdown taunting us on Taylor Swift’s website.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • Over just four days this month, Milei, an avid user of X, wrote 86 posts taunting and insulting journalists, according to an analysis of his feed between April 2 and 5 by prominent Argentine daily La Nación.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For those looking for something more adrenaline-inducing, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World member is a quick five-minute drive to the slopes of Europe’s northernmost ski resort, Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The limited animation, built around Xerox-style images of the characters with various frozen expressions, is a little headache-inducing.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Just kidding, but that would’ve been awesome.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The interviewer said that Phillips, 65, was not kidding.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One side feels mocking people and calling names is OK and not creating hate.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
  • The entertainer gained notoriety on social media in the late 2010s for his sketches mocking niche everyday scenarios.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The board said the reincorporation in Texas would allow for improvements to shareholder rights and more clarity and predictability on decision-making for directors, reduce the potential for frivolous litigation, and take advantage of Texas' business-friendly reputation.
    Dylan Sherman, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In his State of the Town speech April 1, Carfora argued his proposal didn’t include frivolous requests or pie-in-the-sky new projects.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Both sides arrive at this matchup on the heels of inspiring Game 7 victories.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 5 May 2026
  • Despite the challenges, Miller said, dogged journalists continue to produce inspiring work.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/teasing. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on teasing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster