coy

adjective

\ ˈkȯi

Definition of coy

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness using coy tricks to attract attention

b : shrinking from contact or familiarity "'Tis but a kiss I beg, Why art thou coy?"— William Shakespeare

2 : showing reluctance to make a definite commitment a coy response

coy

verb

coyed; coying; coys

Definition of coy (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

obsolete : caress

intransitive verb

archaic : to act coyly (see coy entry 1)

Other Words from coy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about coy

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Synonyms & Antonyms for coy

Synonyms: Adjective

coquettish, demure, kittenish

Antonyms: Adjective

uncoy

Choose the Right Synonym for coy

Adjective

shy, bashful, diffident, modest, coy mean not inclined to be forward. shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. shy with strangers bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence. a bashful boy out on his first date diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking. felt diffident about raising an objection modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit. modest about her success coy implies a pretended shyness. put off by her coy manner

Examples of coy in a Sentence

Adjective

It is distinctly odd to read a whole page dedicated to Hitler's life and character without a reference to his anti-Semitism. To say that Swiss banks contained gold coming from the bank accounts, the jewelry boxes, and the teeth of "concentration camp victims" is a little coy. — Ian Buruma, New Republic, 31 Jan. 2000 Rival camps are terrified that Bush will reject federal matching funds and the campaign-spending limits they impose, and Bush's aides are coy on the subject. — John F. Dickerson, Time, 8 Mar. 1999 And there's Julia, the charming "chatterbot" (a text-based computer character), whose coy pickup banter echoes that of real-life Internet flirts. — Michiko Kakutani, Albany (New York) Times-Union, 20 Aug. 1997 I didn't like her coy manner. He gave a coy answer.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

As for whether there will be any other comic book favorites jumping to the TV adaptation in season 10, Kang plays more coy. — Dalton Ross, EW.com, "New comic book character coming in season 10 of The Walking Dead," 11 July 2019 Depend on your observations; be somewhat coy about asking questions. — BostonGlobe.com, "Horoscope," 8 July 2019 Last year, Winfrey played coy about a 2020 presidential bid before quashing the rumors once and for all. — Lisa Donovan, chicagotribune.com, "Oprah Winfrey posts Instagram pic of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, spouse after hosting them for dinner at her California home," 11 June 2019 Infinity Ward was more coy about this boost in rendering efficiency, showing us only a single wireframe image of a massive crowd of civilians. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare," 30 May 2019 Though owner Tim Niver has been coy about the St. Paul restaurant expanding westward, refusing to confirm it with local media, a sign has gone up outside the restaurant, which seems like pretty clear evidence of what is to come. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, "Mucci’s Italian restaurant appears to be opening Minneapolis spot," 14 June 2019 His boys are coy, knowing, and lithe; the male odalisque, in a state of opulent undress, is a favorite leitmotif. — Christopher Alessandrini, The New York Review of Books, "‘Boys Do It Better’: The Paintings of Louis Fratino," 18 May 2019 When asked about his future amid the celebrations, Hazard was coy. — Rob Harris, chicagotribune.com, "Hazard penalty earns Chelsea victory over Man United in FA Cup final," 19 May 2018 The coy motif has appeared on the runways for years by way of dizzying designs; embellished embroideries; statement costume jewelry; and, in the case of Gucci’s Spring 2019 collection, a representation of the anatomically correct human heart. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "Ahead of Valentine’s Day, a Look Back at 15 Sweet Hearts on the Runway," 30 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

You and others are out there, frankly, being coy in talking about what’s going on with this White House. — Interview By Audie Cornish, New York Times, "Gen. Michael Hayden Has One Regret: Russia," 1 May 2018 That also explains why Steelers president Art Rooney was coy in talking to reporters this week about tagging Le’Veon Bell. — Albert Breer, SI.com, "Josh McDaniels’ Decision Is Sign That Patriots Future Will Be Guided By New Leadership Core," 8 Feb. 2018 The movie was (apparently) shot guerrilla style by director Weinstein, though the filmmakers have coy as to which scenes were captured stealthily and which are dramatized. — Gary Thompson, Philly.com, "'Menashe' gives us rare insight into Brooklyn's Hasidic culture," 16 Aug. 2017 Brian Daboll coy talking about Alabama's new offense At the Manning Passing Academy in June, Jalen Hurts described Alabama's new offense as a combination. — Matt Zenitz, AL.com, "Live updates: Alabama's open practice," 5 Aug. 2017 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Manager Bud Black is being coy about who’ll be his starting five when the Rockies break camp April 1. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Kyle Freeland continues strong bid for Rockies’ starting rotation; Chris Rusin stepping up," 22 Mar. 2017 Ryan Ave., 6405-Gary A. and Margaret C. Kenner to Coy J. Taffe, $349,900. — Washington Post, "Home sales in Anne Arundel and Howard counties," 24 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.