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

What This Means For Everyone Else With the system increasingly doing the reasoning for you, consumers believe that fintech will lead to fewer challenges and less financial knowledge needed to make wise decisions.

— Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
This series, in particular, seems to be, timing-wise, exactly the right time based on everything that’s happening in culture right now.

— Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 23 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

Two of the sassier ladies set up chairs and offered to wipe firemen’s faces with moist towelettes.

— Devin Friedman, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
When Jane Fonda had the idea for the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5, her heart was set on casting Parton as sassy secretary Doralee Rhodes.

— Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of sassy

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 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of cocky

adjective

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