cocky

[kok-ee] / ˈkɒk i /

ADJECTIVE

overly self-assured

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogant brash cocksure overconfident presumptuous self-confident

WEAK

bumptious certain conceited confident egotistical hotshot hubristic know-it-all lordly nervy overweening positive smart-alecky smarty-pants sure swaggering swollen-headed vain

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cautious humble meek self-doubting unsure

WEAK

modest shy tentative timid uncertain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Built by "Hitman" developers IO Interactive, "First Light" offers a new version of Bond's origin story, dropping players into the shoes of a cocky but callow young version of the spy still earning his stripes.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Mr. Brody’s Nick has an ingratiating, cocky but boyish allure that makes Jacki’s attraction to him persuasive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny was powerful as Kurwenal, his cocky sarcasm of Act 1 giving way to the caretaker’s forced optimism in Act 3.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

And so cocky B.J. zooms across the ocean to reboot his career on “Wildcard,” a South Korean reality competition show that narrows 52 aspiring K-pop idols to one winner.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

And there's something mighty fishy about this cocky kid- lawyer calling in the middle of dinner, insisting that I hurry right over.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Vocabulary lists containing cocky

Emotions on Display

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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

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Long Way Down

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