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 The rookie quarterback understands there's a clear distinction, though, between poise and cockiness. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 13 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 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

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 25-year-old from California opened the final with some swagger, popping four aces in the first game, but his self-assurance quickly ebbed.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
The most consistent signature across her growing catalogue is her self-assurance as a performer.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 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

Each of those positions experienced a boost of confidence or a seed of concern since players reported to camp three weeks ago.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Redefining How Fashion Is Bought If the early wave of e-commerce was about access and the mobile era was about convenience, the next phase, agentic commerce, will be defined by confidence.

— Footwear News, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Among the areas covered by the new measures are backups, incident response, risk management and security assurance, with later phases requiring further testing of clubs’ ability to recover from cyber incidents.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
While there were previous assurances under the Biden administration that the site would reopen once construction was complete, that does not appear to be the case now.

— Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cockiness

noun

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