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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
Daemon is one of the most clever, cunning and conniving characters in House of the Dragon, who always seems to have the upper hand.
-
Under this light, Penelope emerges as exemplary, cunning, wounded, and trapped by the male order that praises her.
Adjective
-
Someone with avoidant attachment may become emotionally distant or reluctant to depend on others.
-
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.
Adjective
-
Serve this sweet-and-spicy salad with your favorite cute cocktail picks for a fresh-and-fun summer appetizer.
-
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.
Adjective
-
His kids, though hesitant at first, became a large part of the business.
-
The stock is catching the eye of short-sellers, but as CNBC’s Yun Li reports, many still seem hesitant about betting against Elon Musk.
Adjective
-
Tolbert also made a slick play to end the game.
-
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.
Adjective
-
Available in a style with the same stripes that Paltrow favors, the top offers a subtle pattern that’ll make your outfit pop.
-
The square neckline adds a flattering, feminine touch, while the subtle volume in the sleeves gives it a slightly dressier feel than your average tee.
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
