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
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Recent Examples of cocky
The chorus leaves the beach for the boardwalk, its cocky doo-wop inflections presenting loneliness less as an inner weakness and more as a loyalty test.
—
Reed Jackson, SPIN, 16 Mar. 2026
The final movement starts off with a timpani riff, which triggers a cocky dance that invokes Peterson’s high-speed fingers, shooting off at Road Runner pace.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
Bassel stands at the center of the frame, looking cocky and slightly bored, with his parents seated in front of him and his siblings on either side.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
But everybody’s favorite NFL linebacker is allowed to be cocky.
—Samyra, SELF, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cocky
Reed Jackson, SPIN, 16 Mar. 2026
The final movement starts off with a timpani riff, which triggers a cocky dance that invokes Peterson’s high-speed fingers, shooting off at Road Runner pace.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
Bassel stands at the center of the frame, looking cocky and slightly bored, with his parents seated in front of him and his siblings on either side.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
But everybody’s favorite NFL linebacker is allowed to be cocky.
—Samyra, SELF, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cocky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocky
Adjective
-
Note that these and many other pro-worker policies would be wise with or without AI.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
Temperature-wise, highs will only reach the mid 60s.—
Matthew Villafane,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Ruben, meanwhile, is cocksure and charismatic but has a criminal record and a tendency toward violence.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Beane was so cocksure Allen’s solo act would work again that the GM made only minor moves to improve the offense.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, the insolent and hyper-confident Ruben (Stuart Campbell as a teen and Gadd as a grown-up) has been in trouble with the law from a tender age.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Malinin’s confidence would be insolent if his acrobatics weren’t so astonishing.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This side braid is perfect for the sassy bride who wants to showcase her personality and style, from head to toe, on her wedding day.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
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Ever the sassy songwriter, Musgraves handles these specters like a pro with witty write-offs.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The brazen rush-hour theft — partially dismantling an in-service subway train while riding on it — is at least the second such act in a week.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
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There is no defense for this brazen act of dictatorship, and courts should reach that conclusion fairly quickly so elections can get back on track.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Mantello wasn’t being impudent.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
-
His first goal was pretty enough, an inch-perfect sidefoot just inside Donnarumma’s far post, but his second was a work of impudent art.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Aries March 21 – April 19 A bold move could set exciting momentum in motion today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2026
-
By evening, the Aries Moon moves through your 6th House of Work and Wellness, energizing routines and ambitions that benefit from bold follow-through.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rex Reed, a critic and journalist known for his brash, often acidic takes on films and filmmakers, died Tuesday at his Manhattan home.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 May 2026
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Unapologetic Foods is both name and mantra of the restaurant group behind this brash canteen anchoring one end of the Essex Market.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cocky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocky. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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