1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
not wanting him to know that she was interested in him, she acted very coy at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
a coy toddler who hides whenever anyone comes to the house
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of coy
Other times, the film feels too coy, as if embarrassed by itself.
—
Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Pritzker, another top blue state governor, has a stop scheduled in early primary state New Hampshire and is being coy about his political future.
—Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Mar. 2025
When asked what's in store for the two beloved characters, Meloni, of course, was coy as ever.
—Alex Ross, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Most of the players made available postgame were coy yet open to the idea of a White House visit when asked.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coy
Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Pritzker, another top blue state governor, has a stop scheduled in early primary state New Hampshire and is being coy about his political future.
—Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Mar. 2025
When asked what's in store for the two beloved characters, Meloni, of course, was coy as ever.
—Alex Ross, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Most of the players made available postgame were coy yet open to the idea of a White House visit when asked.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coy
Adjective
-
And yet Francis has never been shy about showing his frailty, age or infirmities in ways that seem unthinkable for public figures for whom any sign of fragility can threaten their authority and undermine their agenda.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Farrah Abraham is a big fan of plastic surgery, and she’s never been shy about sharing the work she’s gotten done over the years.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Madelyn Cline went full-on Old Hollywood bombshell, kittenish liner, polished lengths, and all.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2023
-
With a basis of flawless skin—smoothing and hydration offered via Kylie Skin Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream—Phillips pulled a thick wing of black liner along Jenner's lids, a diminutive wing beneath the lower lashline providing a kittenish complement.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2021
Adjective
-
Nicky Jam has released his first project since facing stark backlash for his (withdrawn) endorsement of Donald Trump.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact.8 4.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
No one has ever rushed to the theatre for the sake of Hero and Claudio, the secondary lovers, whose wooings and sunderings, though eventful, seem like very small beer compared with the rich flirtatious spirits of the primary pair.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2025
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This is a romantic day, and relations with others, even casual interactions, might have a flirtatious overtone.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While maybe not made for the bashful, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors are incredible at expanding the space—and enjoying every last drop of water from the shower.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Jan. 2025
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Smith’s ambition to present a no-frills establishment is no indication of a bashful pedigree.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Detroit Free Press,
6 Mar. 2024
Adjective
-
Rich texture and a contrasting white trim manage to overhaul the classic form while still appearing demure.—
Stacia Datskovska,
WWD,
15 Mar. 2025
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All of this is to say: A demure black look is hot again.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Coy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coy. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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