cocky

adjective

ˈkä-kē How to pronounce cocky (audio)
Definition of cockynext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. wise
  2. cocksure
  3. insolent
  4. sassy
  5. brazen
  6. impudent
  7. bold
  8. brash
Adjective
  • And price-wise, longer-term bonds (like the 30-year Treasury) have taken the biggest hits.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Goodbye, Koi is a wise, comforting read for kids who are anticipating a new beginning of any kind.
    — Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 1 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
  • The team's official drumline, The Pack, pounded on illuminated drums during quarter breaks, while Skye, the team's sassy, blue-haired lioness mascot, jumped onto the T-shirt cannon to launch souvenir merchandise high into stadium seats.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
  • And Becca is so sassy too when Mel wants to try to do the examination.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sassy
Adjective
  • Jerusalem — Israeli settlers stormed a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank on Saturday and seized a home while its owner was inside in the latest brazen settler attack in the area.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Like her Match Game counterpart Brett Somers, Morgan became known for brash and brazen double entendres.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of brazen
Adjective
  • Maradona, on the other hand, was a charismatic populist, a scalawag from a shantytown, irrepressible and impudent.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
  • Mantello wasn’t being impudent.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Definition of impudent
Adjective
  • On September 2, the singer and actress was spotted in Manhattan wearing a long, bold dress with the daintiest straps.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Amal wore her long hair in cascading waves and kept her makeup light with a nude lip, bold lashes and pink blush.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of bold
Adjective
  • The brash attitude that’s attracted fans on social media didn’t win her points at home.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Like her Match Game counterpart Brett Somers, Morgan became known for brash and brazen double entendres.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of brash

Browse Nearby Words

cock-ups
cocky
cocomposer
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Cite this Entry

“Cocky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocky. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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