1
as in cocky
displaying or marked by rude boldness
his cocksure assertion that only he could solve the problem
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2
as in confident
having or showing a mind free from doubt
you're always so cocksure about everything
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as in certainty
a state of mind in which one is free from doubt
the cocksureness with which he presented his investment scheme convinced others to jump in
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cocksure
Alison Van Houten, Outside Online, 22 Aug. 2020
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
After the evacuation, the four Brits were skewered as irresponsible and cocksure by Icelanders and media outlets around the world.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2016
See All Example Sentences for cocksure
Adjective
Amid the cocksure bravado of the adventure-sports world, fluidity is read as weakness.
—Alison Van Houten, Outside Online, 22 Aug. 2020
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
After the evacuation, the four Brits were skewered as irresponsible and cocksure by Icelanders and media outlets around the world.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2016
See All Example Sentences for cocksure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocksure
Adjective
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Still, closers have to be somewhat cocky to succeed in high-pressure situations, and Duran has been excellent on the whole since arriving in Philadelphia.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Greenfield, who plays the youngest adult sibling, had a cocky energy in his audition Bob-Waksberg appreciated.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The quarterback is noticeably more confident this year.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Despite the unfinished look, the Hornets and city leaders are looking forward to the results and remain confident the work will get finished on time.—
Chase Jordan
August 25,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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There’s the expert take, the pressures on the Fed, and Powell’s words, which show less certainty and raise questions about what might happen with tariffs and inflation.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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The Rockets are dangerously close to the first apron at this point, and ironing out an Eason contract would give them more certainty on their upcoming financial layout, while also avoiding a potentially awkward situation.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But the Tigers also made wise offseason moves, not the least of which was signing former New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
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Stashing a talented prospect like him is a wise decision for a front office that should be taking a long view with its rebuild, not to mention Douglas’ history of concussions (two in 2023) and contract coming up next season.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Under a decent shelter, sure, but not an open campsite.—
Brad Moon,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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However much the band may want the focus to be on the music and their live performances, social media still offers the surest way to reach fans who likely discovered them on TikTok to begin with.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Embedding zero-trust controls into blockchain could assuage these risks in three key ways: Regulatory assurance: Regulators increasingly demand auditability.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Data center belongs elsewhere, 16 residents tell board None of the assurances appeased neighbors Tuesday night.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Aug. 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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One chord appears to speak to the other, sounding almost impudent in their simplicity, equal parts ecstatic and heartbreakingly melancholic.—
Sam Davies,
Rolling Stone,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Howell did not play in the final preseason game, which could be viewed as a confidence in his ability to be the No. 2 quarterback.—
Trevor Squire,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
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Several of those players are now central figures in this AfroBasket campaign, carrying the lessons and confidence from that youth success into the senior ranks.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cocksure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocksure. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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