Synonyms for

Tease

Verb / ti:z / Another word for tease — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To make fun of or provoke someone or something playfully.

Synonyms & similar words

rally loosen taunt prickteaser teasing razz fluff bug rag vamp beleaguer ride cod tantalise vamper card flirt minx twit pester tantalization badger ribbing bait vexer mock ridicule taunt provoke irritate annoy bother bug harass badger torment needle joke jest banter rib chaff flirt coquet entice

Synonyms by register

Formal

provoke taunt bait annoy

Informal

kid rag rib josh wind up

Literary

vex chaff jest

Antonyms

comfort console soothe reassure encourage compliment

Common collocations

  • tease out information
  • tease apart threads
  • tease a cat
  • tease a child
  • tease a friend
  • tease a joke
  • tease a problem

Word family

noun teaser
verb tease
adjective teasing

Usage note

The word 'tease' can have both playful and malicious connotations depending on the context and tone. It is often used to describe lighthearted joking but can also refer to persistent annoyance or provocation.

Compare "tease" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. My sister likes to tease me by hiding my pencils.
  2. The children would tease the dog by throwing sticks at it.
  3. The boy would always tease his classmates during recess.
  4. The comedian would tease the audience with his jokes.
  5. The siblings would often tease each other during car rides.

Quotes

  • Tease a plant with a drop of water to make it grow.
  • It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. - Henry David Thoreau
  • The best ideas come from jokes. Make your thinking as funny as possible. - David Ogilvy

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