1
as in cocky
displaying or marked by rude boldness
his cocksure assertion that only he could solve the problem
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2
as in confident
having or showing a mind free from doubt
you're always so cocksure about everything
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cocksure
Amid the cocksure bravado of the adventure-sports world, fluidity is read as weakness.
—
Alison Van Houten, Outside Online, 22 Aug. 2020
So cocksure are they, even their hair seems to swagger.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022
Craig Kilborn, the fratty cocksure original host of The Daily Show, had gotten his big call-up from CBS to host the late-night slot following David Letterman’s, which was one of two jobs Stewart didn’t get.
—Devin Gordon, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2022
After the evacuation, the four Brits were skewered as irresponsible and cocksure by Icelanders and media outlets around the world.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2016
See All Example Sentences for cocksure
Alison Van Houten, Outside Online, 22 Aug. 2020
So cocksure are they, even their hair seems to swagger.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2022
Craig Kilborn, the fratty cocksure original host of The Daily Show, had gotten his big call-up from CBS to host the late-night slot following David Letterman’s, which was one of two jobs Stewart didn’t get.
—Devin Gordon, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2022
After the evacuation, the four Brits were skewered as irresponsible and cocksure by Icelanders and media outlets around the world.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2016
See All Example Sentences for cocksure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocksure
Adjective
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Before that storm has even passed, for example, cocky doc Tom Cole (Pennyworth‘s Jack Bannon) manages to get wrapped up in a love triangle with two female colleagues, planting kisses on them in separate wings of the hospital.—
Rebecca Luther,
TVLine,
3 Apr. 2025
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With a crew cut and a cocky attitude, Kilmer took blond '80s villains to a whole other level with Iceman.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Good teams feel confident regardless of the day’s starting pitcher.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
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Jean looked confident and composed in dispatching the much more experienced Berkhamov.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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Getting another running back on Day 3 is a wise move, and getting Deion Sanders into the Cowboys’ stratosphere at No. 239 will certainly make Jerry Jones smile.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While the tariffs seem sure to depress the economy indefinitely, economic activity could see a soft patch rather than a significant contraction aided by quick Federal Reserve rate cuts.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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There is a fear that this settlement will ultimately lead to a dramatic reduction in spots available, although no one knows for sure.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fortunately, Snow White’s newfound enlightenment does not deny her the possibility of romance, although princes are now strictly off-limits; her love interest here is a fetchingly impudent bandit, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), who is leading a scrappy rebellion against the Evil Queen.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
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One chord appears to speak to the other, sounding almost impudent in their simplicity, equal parts ecstatic and heartbreakingly melancholic.—
Sam Davies,
Rolling Stone,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Parthenope is inscrutable yet expressive, insolent yet heroic, magnetic yet unattainable, loving yet selfish.—
Mike Miller,
EW.com,
12 Feb. 2025
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The officers weren't rude, angry, or insolent — as required of a battery conviction — and used their training and legal authority to do their jobs.—
Ryan Murphy,
The Indianapolis Star,
2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Again, an astute grader would undoubtedly catch your brazen attempt and ding you points accordingly.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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The boisterous comedian lights up the stage with sly wit and brazen confidence, conveying Moss’ righteous fury over being bottom of the office food chain.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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On paper, this might sound like a bold step toward addressing the climate crisis.—
George Peppas,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2025
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Zoom in: Seattle's beauty, brainpower, and bold investments are powering its rise in global rankings, according to the report researched by Ipsos and published by marketing firm Resonance.—
Christine Clarridge,
Axios,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cocksure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocksure. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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