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Definitions

trifle

[trahy-fuhl] / ˈtraɪ fəl /
NOUN
novelty item
Synonyms
STRONG
bagatelle bauble curio gewgaw knickknack nothing novelty plaything toy trinket triviality whatnot
WEAK
bibelot objet d'art
NOUN
very small amount
Synonyms
STRONG
bit dash diddly drop eyelash fraction hint jot little particle piece pinch shade speck spot squat suggestion suspicion touch trace
WEAK
fly speck no big deal soupçon
Antonyms
STRONG
a lot
VERB
toy with; mess around
Synonyms
STRONG
coquet dabble dally dawdle dilly-dally doodle fidget flirt fool fritter idle loiter lollygag lounge misuse monkey palter philander play potter putter squander toy twiddle wanton waste
WEAK
amuse oneself be insincere fool around fool with fribble futz around horse around indulge in lead on mess with monkey with play games with play with string along use up waste time wink at
Antonyms
STRONG
hasten hoard hurry push rush save work

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This tour has ended like all the others – injuries, collapses in form and a selection trifle.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Still on my must-try list: a gingerbread-cranberry cheesecake trifle at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and the gingerbread pancakes at River Belle Terrace.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

His eyes are maybe a trifle close set, his lips a little thin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2025

A touch bewildered, a trifle unsteady on his feet.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2024

“No, no, dear boy. You exaggerate. A minor parable at most. Besides, I fear it is a trifle optimistic.”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White