TRIFLE Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'trifle' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trifle are coquet , dally , flirt , and toy . While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt. // to trifle with a lover's feelings

Q: When could 'coquet' be used to replace 'trifle'?

The meanings of coquet and trifle largely overlap; however, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention. // companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

Q: When might 'dally' be a better fit than 'trifle'?

The words dally and trifle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement. // dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

Q: When is it sensible to use 'flirt' instead of 'trifle'?

The words flirt and trifle can be used in similar contexts, but flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object. // flirted with one fashionable ism after another

Q: In what contexts can 'toy' take the place of 'trifle'?

Although the words toy and trifle have much in common, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers. // a political novice toying with great issues

trifle 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrī-fəl

Definition of trifle next

as in nothing

something of little importance let us not speak of trifles when our nation may be going to war

Synonyms & Similar Words

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trifle

2 of 2

verb

as in to flirt

to show a sexual attraction for someone just for fun do not trifle with me unless you mean to ask me to marry you

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to play

to spend time in aimless activity spent a lazy afternoon trifling on the front porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb trifle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trifle are coquet, dally, flirt, and toy. While all these words mean "to deal with or act toward without serious purpose," trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt.

to trifle with a lover's feelings

When could coquet be used to replace trifle?

The meanings of coquet and trifle largely overlap; however, coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention.

companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations

When might dally be a better fit than trifle?

The words dally and trifle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement.

dallying with the idea of building a boat someday

When is it sensible to use flirt instead of trifle?

The words flirt and trifle can be used in similar contexts, but flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object.

flirted with one fashionable ism after another

In what contexts can toy take the place of trifle?

Although the words toy and trifle have much in common, toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers.

a political novice toying with great issues

Examples 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 trifle

Noun

Stone isn’t necessarily to blame — Magic in the Moonlight is a minor trifle, even for late-career Allen — but this just isn’t a great fit. —

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024 But a traditional creamy trifle will feature layers of bananas, a vanilla pudding or custard, Nilla wafers (daring heretics might use sponge cake) and then whipped cream or even a meringue. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2024

Verb

Arsenal might be informed that things could have ended differently had Arteta spent a trifling $120 million on a striker in January. —

Rory Smith, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024 In the event, however, the Biden Justice Department prosecuted hundreds of people on trifling misdemeanor offenses that would never have been charged in normal cases untainted by partisan politics. —

Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 9 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for trifle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trifle

Noun

The one whose legs turned nothings into somethings, improvising the Lions’ entire defensive game plan into a pile of ash?

Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2024
But nothings more peaceful than tomorrow to a man going through pain today.

Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024