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.

Out of magnanimity, I’ll liken this trifle to a Rothko.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Enter the trifle, a dessert that doesn’t get nearly enough credit for its multipurpose holiday charm.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 2025

That said, it’s a trifle on the scale of this 10-story whipped cream cake.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2025

Du Beke told them it was like his "favourite sherry trifle at Christmas".

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

"A trifle," Nick said with a pale smile, then turned on us.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood