COCKINESS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

cockiness

noun

Definition of cockiness

as in arrogance

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Recent Examples of cockiness But he has been accused of inflating his role in some projects and demonstrating a self-confidence that borders on cockiness. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cockiness

Noun

Aemond, too, for that matter, while Daemon’s arrogance continues to get Team Black into all sorts of predicaments.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
But the league’s own research found that what reads as charisma in Dallas can land as arrogance in Düsseldorf.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

In memes, Dafoe's smirking declaration has been used to represent overconfidence and pseudointellectualism.

— Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
In 2009, five members of Young The Giant named their band in honor of their own youth, naivety and potential overconfidence.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of overconfidence

Noun

Extracurricular activities help kids build important life skills, including teamwork, persistence, and self-confidence.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
But he has been accused of inflating his role in some projects and demonstrating a self-confidence that borders on cockiness.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 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

The Bears haven’t ruled out the possibility of getting Trapilo at least some reps during training camp this month to test him out and rebuild his confidence in padded practices.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
That signal could help security teams identify compromises with greater confidence.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Licata and other administrators started the day at the district’s bus barn, voicing excitement and assurance that operations would be orderly for students’ return to the classroom.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026
The 1999 assurances that investment returns would cover the costs of the massive pension benefit increase were absurd.

— Daniel Borenstein, Mercury News, 11 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cockiness

noun

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