Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective coy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of coy are bashful, diffident, modest, and shy. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," coy implies a pretended shyness.

put off by her coy manner

Where would bashful be a reasonable alternative to coy?

While in some cases nearly identical to coy, bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence.

a bashful boy out on his first date

When would diffident be a good substitute for coy?

While the synonyms diffident and coy are close in meaning, diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking.

felt diffident about raising an objection

When is it sensible to use modest instead of coy?

The meanings of modest and coy largely overlap; however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit.

modest about her success

When could shy be used to replace coy?

In some situations, the words shy and coy are roughly equivalent. However, shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.

shy with strangers

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 coy Those influences are often deliberate — coy and canny reworkings of previous themes and character types, presented again in new guises and winking reflections. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025 The members have been coy about the band’s future—sometimes dousing it with cold water, others alluding to informal meet-ups that may or may not lead to a return to the studio or stage. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2025 For now, a variety of liberal organizations are keeping a low profile and being coy about their potential roster of challengers. Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 21 Feb. 2025 The Gilded Age actress was coy, however, when asked about the possibility of a third installment. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coy
Adjective
  • By the end of regulation, Nylander had played only 15.5 minutes, a smidge less than Tavares, who was just shy of 16.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Mostly cloudy skies will keep temperatures around 65 degrees in the metro Saturday, which is just a few degrees shy of the average of 68 for this time of year.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.
    Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2023
  • With a basis of flawless skin—smoothing and hydration offered via Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream—Phillips pulled a thick wing of black liner along Jenner's lids, a diminutive wing beneath the lower lashline providing a kittenish complement.
    Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2021
Adjective
  • Its influence on the withdrawn protagonist, Jamie (played by Owen Cooper), is largely implied.
    Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The withdrawn San Francisco drama, about lonely nonbinary nanny and restaurant server Cass (Asia Kate Dillon), is simple in its presentation, but disguises numerous layers to its story.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • All at once, these two are flirtatious, sentimental, and so, so strange.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Mathison joined the All My Children cast in 1998 as Ryan Lavery, a former con man who quickly struck up a flirtatious friendship with Hayley (Ripa) — much to the ire of her then-boyfriend Mateo (Consuelos).
    EW.com, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Cher was bashful to be busted but then couldn’t help laughing out loud at the audacity.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Or maybe the movie’s stars are just feeling a bit bashful!
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His clothing choices can sometimes be as provocative as his opinions: On a recent trip to Japan, Mr. Piker wore a tight French maid’s outfit, a pair of fuzzy cat ears and a demure string of pearls while streaming from one of the country’s maid cafes.
    Jack Crosbie, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Galego’s demure courage was widely admired, and Shadows In The Garden was among the works to quickly find a buyer on opening night.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coy. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coy

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