COCKINESS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

cockiness

noun

Definition of cockiness

as in arrogance

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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 cockiness His cockiness on the court is well-earned. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026 The great thing is society already embraces cockiness—just not from women. — Samyra, SELF, 14 Jan. 2026 What everybody loves about Ortegas is that can do mentality and also that cockiness. — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 Wednesday’s briefing, for example, featured the usual Hegseth hubris, strutting, and cockiness. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 Most of the Teds depicted are young—discovering the look, and discovering themselves, in the full flush of masculine cockiness. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025 Much like Kurt, Kyle had a confidence that bordered on cockiness while repeatedly showcasing an ability behind the wheel to back up his bravado. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 21 May 2026 Robert Romanus, as Damone, would scalp Ozzy Osbourne tickets to his grandmother, and yet deftly treads the tightrope between cockiness and desperation. — Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 While the critics howled during that 1-15 season in 1989, Johnson and even his assistants maintained their cockiness and mocked the criticism. — Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cockiness

Noun

Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.

— Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

In foreign policy, too, the democracies need to regain self-confidence—and back democratic allies against forces that threaten our systems and values.

— Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
The museum’s mission is to foster curiosity, self-confidence, and a love of learning in children through enriching, hands-on exhibits and programs.

— Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 28 June 2026

Definition of self-confidence

Noun

In a social media post on Monday, May 11, the nonprofit said the chicks' leg bones are maturing as both eaglets remain steady in their nest, standing and walking about with self-assurance.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Because this brazen self-assurance still leads to drafting guys 100 picks early just because an assistant coach got a warm, fuzzy feeling.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026

Definition of self-assurance

Noun

His brashness with a wink is a fun part of the package, but insight and candor are what make the best analysts.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Set the scene Sexy without being pretentious and bold without the brashness, Il Sereno is a lesson in artful restraint.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Definition of brashness

Noun

She's found that parents who are more open about these topics give their children more confidence and self-efficacy.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Just how charged the debate has become was clear when the Greens filed a motion of no confidence against the government on Thursday over its heatwave response.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Now In February 2026, the EU finalized its Omnibus I revisions to the CSRD, narrowing the scope and assurance requirements that many organizations had been preparing for.

— Joel Carboni, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Despite government assurances, humanitarian groups warn that the scale of assistance still falls short of the need.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of assurance

Browse Nearby Words

cockily

cockiness

cocking

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“Cockiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cockiness. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cockiness

noun

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