variants
also cagy
1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a cagey old politician who is exceptionally skilled at getting federal money for his district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
when it came time to sign the contract, he suddenly got cagey about taking on the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of cagey
Undoubtedly the biggest star on LIV, and among the top handful of players in the world in both talent and fan interest, DeChambeau has been somewhat cagey as to his next move.
—
Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Further, the non-call and subsequent call in the final 5 minutes of the free 30 minutes were monumental in a mostly cagey match.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Unseld was cagey about the playing-time restrictions for all three players, declining to share details about any of their medical limits during his pregame news conference.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
While department officials initially were cagey about whether pepper spray would be allowed at the new Kilpatrick, the department ultimately determined officers would not carry it.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Further, the non-call and subsequent call in the final 5 minutes of the free 30 minutes were monumental in a mostly cagey match.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Unseld was cagey about the playing-time restrictions for all three players, declining to share details about any of their medical limits during his pregame news conference.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
While department officials initially were cagey about whether pepper spray would be allowed at the new Kilpatrick, the department ultimately determined officers would not carry it.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cagey
Adjective
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Seehorn’s indelible portrayal of the cunning Kim Wexler transformed the character from one-off love interest to irreplaceable mainstay, and thus, a partnership was born.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
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But statistics fail to convey the humanity of yard sales—the caprice, whimsy, and high spirits, as well as the cunning, weirdness, and heartbreak, that charge and thicken the air when two people agree to perform an off-the-books monetary transaction.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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Someone with avoidant attachment may become emotionally distant or reluctant to depend on others.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
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Trump and his successors will be reluctant to use force against Iran in the future, knowing, as is now clear, that doing so will likely trigger the closure of the strait and an economic crisis.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Serve this sweet-and-spicy salad with your favorite cute cocktail picks for a fresh-and-fun summer appetizer.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
20 June 2026
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Baby raccoons, for example, are very cute, but their mother may have made a den in the attic, crawl space, or shed, which can be bad for them and for the homeowner.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, later in the inning after Luzardo gave up another hit, Kruk was not hesitant to remind everyone how everything had gone down.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
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Still, some council members remained hesitant Tuesday to cede its bottom-line lawmaking authority, even after the eight-member body had voted 5-3 earlier this month to advance Lee’s proposal.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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Tolbert also made a slick play to end the game.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
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Much like his longstanding working relationships with BlocBoy JB and Sexyy Red, Tay Keith also had a similar footing with Drake, providing the soundscape for some of the 6 God’s slickest sneak disses.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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Star power takes a neutral cat-eye base and turns it into a subtle statement moment.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
17 June 2026
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Where their Florida style is bold and flamboyant, the ranch is subtle and defined by a rich, earthy palette.—
Elizabeth Kiefer,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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