1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
not wanting him to know that she was interested in him, she acted very coy at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
a coy toddler who hides whenever anyone comes to the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of coy
For days leading up to that move, Trump was coy about his intentions as the world watched and wondered where American intervention in another Middle Eastern war might lead.
—
Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
If the brothers are coy and circumspect about their personal lives, their working relationship is slightly less obtuse.
—Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
While Feig remained coy, the audience's fervent response suggested the appetite for a third installment is real.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
When are Snack Wraps coming back to McDonald's? McDonald's is being coy about revealing when Snack Wraps will return.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for coy
Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
If the brothers are coy and circumspect about their personal lives, their working relationship is slightly less obtuse.
—Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
While Feig remained coy, the audience's fervent response suggested the appetite for a third installment is real.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
When are Snack Wraps coming back to McDonald's? McDonald's is being coy about revealing when Snack Wraps will return.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for coy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coy
Adjective
-
Leaving thousands of cases behind Former Judge Angela Munro received the email in April notifying her that her employment would be terminated and placed on administrative leave — just a few days shy of the end of her two-year probationary period.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
-
And as the Phillies look for a solution, the manager won't be shy about his expectations for composure on the mound.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2023
-
With a basis of flawless skin—smoothing and hydration offered via Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream—Phillips pulled a thick wing of black liner along Jenner's lids, a diminutive wing beneath the lower lashline providing a kittenish complement.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2021
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, further discussions were heated with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
As their relationship deepens, Chloe must confront Johny’s flirtatious job, her skeptical family and friends, and growing concerns about trust between them.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
31 July 2025
-
Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, whose recent flirtatious behavior towards one another has raised eyebrows, are just two of Hollywood's mega-stars who have sparked romance rumors from handsy, red-carpet appearances.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
Her brand of studied, bashful flightiness began to seem more passé than winkingly subversive.—
Mayukh Sen,
The Atlantic,
9 July 2025
-
The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
One that’s been on my radar lately is trad wife thrillers, especially as social media feeds are filled with demure baking videos, homeschooling tips and picturesque domestic life.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
The new breed of cocktail bars were demure, sit-down only affairs, while EO was packed like a nightclub; the new breed of bartender was bookish and slight, more likely to offer the history of gin than the score of a game, while EO bartenders were essentially throwing the party every single night.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
9 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Coy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share