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Some common synonyms of cocksure<\/em> are certain<\/em><\/a>, positive<\/em><\/a>, and sure<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having no doubt or uncertainty,\" cocksure<\/em> implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.<\/p>

\/\/ you're always so cocksure<\/em> about everything<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'certain' be a reasonable alternative to 'cocksure'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to cocksure<\/em>, certain<\/em><\/a> may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.<\/p>

\/\/ police are certain<\/em> about the cause of the fire<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'positive' be used instead of 'cocksure'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words positive<\/em><\/a> and cocksure<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, positive<\/em> intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.<\/p>

\/\/ I'm positive<\/em> that's the person I saw<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'sure' a more appropriate choice than 'cocksure'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of sure<\/em><\/a> and cocksure<\/em> largely overlap; however, sure<\/em> usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.<\/p>

\/\/ felt sure<\/em> that I had forgotten something<\/p>" } } ] }

cocksure

adjective

ˈkäk-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce cocksure (audio)
Definition of cocksurenext
1
as in cocky
displaying or marked by rude boldness his cocksure assertion that only he could solve the problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confident
having or showing a mind free from doubt you're always so cocksure about everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cocksure contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cocksure are certain, positive, and sure. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

Where would certain be a reasonable alternative to cocksure?

While in some cases nearly identical to cocksure, certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When can positive be used instead of cocksure?

The words positive and cocksure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

When is sure a more appropriate choice than cocksure?

The meanings of sure and cocksure largely overlap; however, sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

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 cocksure Yann Gael, Roger Sallah and Mentor Ba entertain as tough guy gunslingers, but their cocksure attitude is tested when a paranormal foe threatens them and their stash of gold. —Thomas Page, CNN, 23 Sep. 2022 From the start, Mr. Koecher was at once brilliant and hard to take—cocksure and certain that he was destined for great things. —Edward Kosner, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 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 See All Example Sentences for cocksure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocksure
  1. cocky
  2. confident
  3. wise
  4. sure
  5. impudent
  6. insolent
  7. brazen
  8. bold
Adjective
  • The final movement starts off with a timpani riff, which triggers a cocky dance that invokes Peterson’s high-speed fingers, shooting off at Road Runner pace.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Bassel stands at the center of the frame, looking cocky and slightly bored, with his parents seated in front of him and his siblings on either side.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of cocky
Adjective
  • The suburbs have also grown more diverse and educated over the past few decades, demographic shifts that may make Democrats more confident.
    — Steve Peoples, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Chevrolet seems confident that both versions of the Grand Sport will become the lineup’s best-selling models.
    — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of confident
Adjective
  • No shade, but the trailers for ‘The Odyssey’ don’t look very promising to me, just aesthetic wise.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
  • If guilt pops up around spending, remember compassion guides wise choices.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Cheap, sure, but not exactly free.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • This, coupled with your personal drive and ability to impress authority figures, is a sure-fire combination for success.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of sure
Adjective
  • His first goal was pretty enough, an inch-perfect sidefoot just inside Donnarumma’s far post, but his second was a work of impudent art.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Gemma reluctantly agrees to rebuild her impudent robot in a new body, and the sequel ends with an explosive showdown between Amelia and M3GAN, who nearly dies in a noble attempt to save Gemma and her niece, Cady (Violet McGraw).
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 June 2025
Definition of impudent
Adjective
  • Malinin’s confidence would be insolent if his acrobatics weren’t so astonishing.
    — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The fox would once have crushed this insolent creature with a swipe of her paw.
    — Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025
Definition of insolent
Adjective
  • If anything, the regime is more defiant, belligerent, and brazen, determined to prevail at any cost.
    — Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Authorities say the scheme became more brazen as time went on with at least $510 million worth of Super Micro Computer's servers being diverted to China after their assembly in the United States.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of brazen
Adjective
  • The series introduced audiences to a bold new group of characters, welcomed familiar faces, and expanded the Star Trek universe in exciting new ways.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Celebrate, manifest or recharge your aura with a candle that's playful, bold and a little too accurate.
    — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of bold

Browse Nearby Words

cocks a snook (at)
cocksure
cocksureness
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Cite this Entry

“Cocksure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocksure. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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