tease
verb (used with object)
to irritate or provoke with persistent petty distractions, trifling jests, or other annoyances, often in a playful way.
had teased
-
past perfectof tease.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The developer had teased the reveal with a mysterious statue which first appeared in the Californian desert.
From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2025
Among the pieces that she had teased on social media were a sewing machine, a steamer, lamps, a “tiny side table,” a sequin romper, and a Bergdorf Goodman jacket.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2025
Rainbow had teased that he would be breaking news at his L.A. engagement, and I wondered if he might be announcing that “Randy Rainbow for President” was heading to Broadway.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 21, 2024
In fact, before the chef and author's death in 2018, the two had been involved in what the media had teased out as a multi-year feud.
From Salon ● Jul. 17, 2023
Margaret hesitated, then asked me to tell her again what Branwell’s reaction had been when I had teased him about Vivian.
From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg
