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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Murray, a stoic veteran, wasn’t sure what to make of Kent, who played with a cocky edge. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 26 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for cocky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocky

Adjective

Street-wise, independent travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the city, and live like locals without any of the hassle.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
But the show already had a natural stopping point coming up that would be appropriate, storytelling-wise.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 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
Who would come correct with a bitchy, sassy, screw-all-y’all response, and who would play it safe with a mild-mannered send-off?

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 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

The movie is an epic series of harrumphs and harangues, propelled from room to room—and, in time, out into the world beyond the estate—by a spirit of impudent absurdism and corrosive cynicism which seems to emanate from Digger himself.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Mantello wasn’t being impudent.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

Definition of impudent

Adjective

Both Vitale and Blazy have used bold prints, colors and textures on more classic silhouettes, like the jean, the court shoe or the Mary Jane, to create highly recognizable — yet wearable — clothes and shoes.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
But when hurricanes tear through Southeastern towns, the hot meals and bold yellow signs of the local Waffle House provide another kind of comfort.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of bold

Adjective

Reiter’s character’s brash self-assurance, along with her expressive face and physicality, really complement a deadpan Wickline.

— Rima Parikh, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2026
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

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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cocky

adjective

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