1
as in cocky
displaying or marked by rude boldness
his cocksure assertion that only he could solve the problem
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confident
having or showing a mind free from doubt
you're always so cocksure about everything
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cocksure
Yann Gael, Roger Sallah and Mentor Ba entertain as tough guy gunslingers, but their cocksure attitude is tested when a paranormal foe threatens them and their stash of gold.
—
Thomas Page, CNN, 23 Sep. 2022
From the start, Mr. Koecher was at once brilliant and hard to take—cocksure and certain that he was destined for great things.
—Edward Kosner, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022
So cocksure are they, even their hair seems to swagger.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022
Craig Kilborn, the fratty cocksure original host of The Daily Show, had gotten his big call-up from CBS to host the late-night slot following David Letterman’s, which was one of two jobs Stewart didn’t get.
—Devin Gordon, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2022
See All Example Sentences for cocksure
Thomas Page, CNN, 23 Sep. 2022
From the start, Mr. Koecher was at once brilliant and hard to take—cocksure and certain that he was destined for great things.
—Edward Kosner, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022
So cocksure are they, even their hair seems to swagger.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022
Craig Kilborn, the fratty cocksure original host of The Daily Show, had gotten his big call-up from CBS to host the late-night slot following David Letterman’s, which was one of two jobs Stewart didn’t get.
—Devin Gordon, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2022
See All Example Sentences for cocksure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocksure
Adjective
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But his subtle brush-off of Collins is a sign of the cocky and brash kid already beginning to emerge — the same one who could cut down people down to size on his way to redefining himself and jolting both the New York folk scene and the world of pop at large.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
26 Oct. 2025
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Don’t come on too hard or cocky; give practical reasons that showcase how your experience will benefit the company.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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If Purdy is still unable to take the field in Week 10, the 49ers are confident that Jones can continue his solid play at the quarterback position.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Both Mason and Green are confident the race will be called quickly for Sheffield, who has been a frontrunner in the race.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The military plays only an advisory role in the American system, giving input to the president’s deliberations but not otherwise independently adjudicating whether his or her decision is wise.—
Peter D. Feaver,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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Kyle Dubas made a very wise move by signing Mantha, who fits in very nicely with this group and is playing high-level hockey.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The surest sign that the GM of the Dallas Mavericks is in trouble appeared when the team hired another director of public relations.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Nov. 2025
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This feels like a bit of a generalization, but sure!—
Lily Osler,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Gemma reluctantly agrees to rebuild her impudent robot in a new body, and the sequel ends with an explosive showdown between Amelia and M3GAN, who nearly dies in a noble attempt to save Gemma and her niece, Cady (Violet McGraw).—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
29 June 2025
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Fortunately, Snow White’s newfound enlightenment does not deny her the possibility of romance, although princes are now strictly off-limits; her love interest here is a fetchingly impudent bandit, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), who is leading a scrappy rebellion against the Evil Queen.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Beautiful, not perfect; Alex can be rude, insolent, and subject to wild emotional swings and failures of decorum and logic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
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The movie’s startling originality is in its spirit, its insolent ironies.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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The brazen, silly grandeur of the piece was astounding.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
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This year’s harvest season has also seen some of the most brazen violence in recent years.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Calf & Pony Hair The sleek, tactile surface of pony hair adds a bold edge to any accessory, creating a striking contrast in bags, hats, and footwear.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
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Simone’s performance is mesmerizing—bold, vulnerable, and transformative.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cocksure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocksure. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
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