Synonyms of cocksure

cocksure

adjective

ˈkäk-ˈshu̇r 

1

as in cocky

displaying or marked by rude boldness

his cocksure assertion that only he could solve the problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cocky
• wise
• impudent
• insolent
• brazen
• bold
• fresh
• brash
• sassy
• brassy
• cheeky
• assertive
• blunt
• defiant
• saucy
• impertinent
• nervy
• audacious
• cute
• arch
• brazen-faced
• bold-faced
• smart
• disrespectful
• brassbound
• obtrusive
• unabashed
• curt
• forward
• unblushing
• bluff
• flippant
• shameless
• smart-aleck
• mouthy
• facetious
• flip
• pert
• smart-alecky
• lippy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• timid
• meek
• humble
• shy
• modest
• polite
• proper
• courteous
• retiring
• genteel
• deferential
• respectful
• mousy
• ashamed
• demure
• embarrassed
• mild
• gentle
• mannerly
• abashed
• shamefaced
• inconspicuous
• unobtrusive
• blushing

2

as in confident

having or showing a mind free from doubt

you're always so cocksure about everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confident
• sure
• certain
• positive
• assured
• implicit
• sanguine
• doubtless
• clear
• self-assured
• self-confident
• resolute
• self-conceited
• unquestioning
• unfaltering
• unhesitating
• decisive
• unwavering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertain
• doubtful
• unsure
• dubious
• hesitant
• indecisive
• unassuming
• wavering
• vacillating
• diffident

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cocksure contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cocksure are certain, positive, and sure. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

Where would certain be a reasonable alternative to cocksure?

While in some cases nearly identical to cocksure, certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When can positive be used instead of cocksure?

The words positive and cocksure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

When is sure a more appropriate choice than cocksure?

The meanings of sure and cocksure largely overlap; however, sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cocksure

Set on a white-run construction site in West Africa, the story follows an edgy foreman anxiously awaiting his bride, whose presence meets resistance from a cocksure engineer clinging to the hyper-masculine status quo. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

Blyth plays Cal, a jumpy and cocksure construction manager who is very much the third wheel — or more like the monkey wrench — in the recent couple formed by Leonie and the considerably older Horn. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025

No brand should be so cocksure as to presume its products are irreplaceable. — Cate Rubenstein, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2023

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