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

And a stellar Paulson expertly exudes snide arrogance, until Sandra breaks open entirely.

— Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
What might seem arrogance in others feels merely reasonable coming from her.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 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

Scot’s self-confidence in genderqueer expression seems unrealistic for his age and for the times, and yuppie Sam is too perfect.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
O’Donnell’s characters are usually fresh out of divorces and staying afloat on waves of delusional self-confidence and optimism.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

A lot of the players’ gambits rely on chutzpah, humor, and projected self-assurance.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
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

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

Harbaugh expressed confidence in backup Jameis Winston's ability to step in for however long Dart is out.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Children often don’t have the vocabulary to name a fear directly or the confidence that a topic is safe to raise.

— Anahi Collado, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

But weighting choices vary by pollster and offer no assurance of accuracy.

— W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
The findings, which came from a survey of 10 current workers and 27 former ones who left recently, stated that the safety and mission assurance team had lost half its staff as of July 2026.

— Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cockiness

noun

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