COCKINESS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

cockiness

noun

Definition of cockiness

as in arrogance

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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 cockiness As the first officer of the Enterprise, Riker exuded confidence, swagger, and just enough cockiness to keep things interesting. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026 Much like Kurt, Kyle had a confidence that bordered on cockiness while repeatedly showcasing an ability behind the wheel to back up his bravado. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 21 May 2026 His cockiness on the court is well-earned. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026 Robert Romanus, as Damone, would scalp Ozzy Osbourne tickets to his grandmother, and yet deftly treads the tightrope between cockiness and desperation. — Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 Wednesday’s briefing, for example, featured the usual Hegseth hubris, strutting, and cockiness. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 The great thing is society already embraces cockiness—just not from women. — Samyra, SELF, 14 Jan. 2026 While the critics howled during that 1-15 season in 1989, Johnson and even his assistants maintained their cockiness and mocked the criticism. — Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026 Most of the Teds depicted are young—discovering the look, and discovering themselves, in the full flush of masculine cockiness. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cockiness

Noun

However, confidence can quickly turn into arrogance, so remember to stay grounded.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
The combination of arrogance and doctored intelligence that led the United States and its allies into the 2003 Iraq War is almost made for Hollywood.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

Before Ted arrives in England, the ladies will have been trained by Assistant Coach Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds), a lovely and devoted leader who lacks self-confidence.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
On July 27, as the sun in Leo makes an opposition to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, your self-confidence could be met with resistance, or maybe a personal desire clashes with social expectations.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

The self-assurance that allowed Odysseus to act decisively often became arrogance, leading him to be too quick to dismiss counsel and too slow to change course once committed.

— Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
In a social media post on Monday, May 11, the nonprofit said the chicks' leg bones are maturing as both eaglets remain steady in their nest, standing and walking about with self-assurance.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 12 May 2026

Definition of self-assurance

Noun

There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
His brashness with a wink is a fun part of the package, but insight and candor are what make the best analysts.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 10 June 2026

Definition of brashness

Noun

In a post on X, Kono, former defense minister under the Abe administration, warned that the plan could undermine confidence in Japan's fiscal position, push interest rates higher and weaken the yen.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
The government says the new framework will improve investor confidence by making decisions more predictable while protecting climate integrity and ensuring local communities benefit from carbon market projects.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

On deadline day, unsettling for many, Abrams had the look of a man who was calmed by his boss’ assurances.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Every additional interaction increases operating costs while providing little assurance of stronger products or happier customers.

— Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of assurance

Browse Nearby Words

cockily

cockiness

cocking

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“Cockiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cockiness. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cockiness

noun

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