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

But while that might suggest arrogance, Dawson’s answer to another question reflects humility.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of arrogance

Noun

Adika explained to Fortune why this growing confidence often blends into overconfidence.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
An overconfidence in the set-piece made South Africa waive off numerous kickable penalties at altitude to try and bury the All Blacks with tries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of overconfidence

Noun

Paying more than $3 billion in stock for a crown jewel and then fully open-sourcing a layer in week three takes a strategic self-confidence that most acquirers never muster.

— Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Kristen does this with a voice that is authentically hers, inspiring all women to tap into their self-confidence.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 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

In the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the same updating Gallup survey, forty-nine per cent of college graduates expressed confidence in the job market, compared to forty-four percent of respondents who had less than a college degree.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
When asked on Monday if the team has the talent to improve at center, Quinn reiterated his confidence in Washington’s trio of Allegretti, Good-Jones and Gulbin.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

The owners’ arrival in San Diego comes as Dodgers owner Mark Walter faces a federal probe into his business empire, fueling speculation about a possible ownership change despite assurances the team won’t be sold.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
However, advocates want better assurance through local measures that these laws will be honored.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 24 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cockiness

noun

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