cheeky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal

: boldly rude, impudent, or disrespectful in usually a playful or appealing way

a cheeky grin

… old-timers who still look like they could deck you if you get too cheeky.

—Shaun Assael

cheekily

ˈchē-kə-lē 

adverb

cheekiness

ˈchē-kē-nəs 

noun

cheekiness

2 of 2

noun

cheek·​i·​ness ˈchē-kē-nəs 

plural -es

: insolence or impudence of speech or behavior

Synonyms of cheeky

Adjective

• wise
• bold
• sassy
• saucy
• impudent
• fresh
• brazen
• cocky
• insolent
• blunt
• brassy
• defiant
• cute
• audacious
• brash
• impertinent
• nervy
• assertive
• cocksure

Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

Adjective

a cheeky comment about something that was none of her business

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For around 20 minutes, the pilot weaved his cheeky confession in clear loops above the Dee estuary, leaving an unmistakable signature in the sky. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

He’s leaned into this virality, posting cheeky selfies on Instagram, uploading long-form vlogs on YouTube and interacting with fans on his public Snapchat stories, often poking fun at himself. — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026

He’s leaned into this virality, posting cheeky selfies on Instagram, uploading long-form vlogs on YouTube and interacting with fans on his public Snapchat stories, often poking fun at himself. — ABC News, 11 July 2026

Using a palette dominated by pink, green and black, Boynton’s unconventional fabric blends and cuts enhance the cheeky tone of this production. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see cheek entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheeky

• creaky
• freaky
• kiki
• leaky
• sneaky
• squeaky
• streaky

Kids Definition

cheeky

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal : boldly rude or disrespectful in usually a playful way

cheekiness noun