COCKY Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

cocky

adjective

ˈkä-kē

Definition of cocky

as in wise

displaying or marked by rude boldness a cocky young actor who thought that he was God's gift to the theater

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Example Sentences

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 cocky Not to sound cocky on another man’s behalf, but Rhys should skate to a win. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 July 2026 Responsible or not, Polly’s behavior is therefore at best cavalier, and at worst, especially during his police room interviews, downright cocky. — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 Lanky with striking red hair and a cocky demeanor, Clapper was dogged and respected by his fellow cops. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 Sipos as Dean, the life of the party, confident bordering on cocky. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cocky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocky

Adjective

Personality-wise, this is their best dance and definitely Jenna at her most free thus far.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026
Happy birthday to this wonderful, kind, loving, caring, fun, funny, wise young man!

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of wise

Adjective

The country’s website on the topic sports the cocksure hashtag #CroatiaYourNewOffice; Croatia’s focus on this segment of travelers has been so successful that researchers there published academic papers on the phenomenon.

— Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
For one, Columbus’s face wears the haughtiest, most cocksure expression in Lewis’s body of work.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Definition of cocksure

Adjective

That meant going their own way, being a little insolent and being arrogant.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026
In the 18th century, lusty also meant insolent, which might have conveyed Anderson’s frustrations with Dina’s unwillingness to accept his authority over her.

— Carolyn Zola, The Conversation, 11 June 2026

Definition of insolent

Adjective

In the case of gay Texan barrel racer Ben McDonnell or sassy 65-year-old novelist Sherry Kuehl, the answer is absolutely.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
But fans don’t have to worry, because the woman known for her sassy rulings is not going away completely.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of sassy

Adjective

Moscow's forces pounded apartment buildings, offices, data centers and a building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in downtown Kyiv in a brazen daytime attack.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
There are also three shields on the top deck, high up where everyone can stare accusatorily at whoever is brazen enough to grab one.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of brazen

Adjective

Every September, Climate Week brings together leaders, businesses and advocates promising bold action on climate change.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026
Mac’s More Better Productions is a film, television, and multimedia company that builds on his distinctive approach to world-building through bold, human storytelling.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of bold

Adjective

Rounding things out is a black-and-white leather interior, a brash graphics package, and a set of white 18-inch Nismo LGMT2 wheels.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
Pollsters approach this year’s midterm elections dogged by high-profile misfires in recent elections while facing challenges from brash rivals intent on reshaping the landscape of political forecasts.

— W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of brash

Browse Nearby Words

cock-ups

cocky

cocomposer

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“Cocky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocky. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cocky

adjective

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