variants
also cagy
1
as in slick
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a cagey old politician who is exceptionally skilled at getting federal money for his district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
when it came time to sign the contract, he suddenly got cagey about taking on the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cagey
As for the significance of the word mammalian, which implies that other types of animals are being nurtured in this environment, Erickson was cagey.
—
Jen Chaney, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
As of late, Nintendo has also been somewhat cagey about things like voice actors and the specific studios developing its games.
—Jay Peters, The Verge, 17 Jan. 2025
This wry, lovelorn plaint is a cagey display of subtle dynamics and counterpoint on a lone electric guitar.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
During a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his Kevin Hart-Mark Wahlberg comedy Me Time, Hamburg was cagey when asked if another Meet the Parents sequel could happen.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Jen Chaney, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
As of late, Nintendo has also been somewhat cagey about things like voice actors and the specific studios developing its games.
—Jay Peters, The Verge, 17 Jan. 2025
This wry, lovelorn plaint is a cagey display of subtle dynamics and counterpoint on a lone electric guitar.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
During a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his Kevin Hart-Mark Wahlberg comedy Me Time, Hamburg was cagey when asked if another Meet the Parents sequel could happen.
—Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cagey
Adjective
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Standing Apart from OEMs While Supporting Them As automakers invest in slick marketing campaigns highlighting EV performance and features, Veloz’s role is complimentary and focused on strengthening foundational consumer knowledge.—
Stacy Noblet,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The result is slick noodles that won't absorb flavor or bind to sauces later on.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Trump’s encouragement of Walker was enough to spur him into the race, though Republicans as a whole were hesitant, given Walker’s lack of experience and standing as an unknown quantity among GOP voters.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Ty noted that some caregivers might be hesitant to open up about their caregiving experience in the workplace for fear of being passed over for promotions or other advancements.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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On this occasion, Fernandez’s cross flies over Cucurella and straight into the thick of the action, where Joao Pedro’s cunning movement creates space to get his header away.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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Bening will costar on the series as Beulah Jackson, who's described as the powerful, cunning, and charming head of a major ranch in Texas.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Other teams have shown interest in trading for Kuminga, but the Warriors have been reluctant to accept any sign-and-trade offers.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
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Both characters struggle to forgive themselves for past mistakes and are reluctant to dive back into relationships.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The buzzy long-sleeve shirt has a cute ribbed design, and it’s made of soft, stretchy fabric that doesn’t feel overly restrictive.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
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This cute camisole is perfect for lounging around or pairing with your favorite sweatpants or leggings.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even the people writing software are dubious.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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This trend pushes teens to skip showers or use dubious products in hopes of attracting romantic attention.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And the trickster god Elegba, Orisha of the crossroads, stands between them, a wily ex-con buddy of Oshoosi’s — not bad, not good, a Mephistophelean drifter who secretly longs for the fraternal intimacy that is his friend’s by birthright.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
11 Sep. 2025
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Potential trouble arises when the wily victim of Danny’s, Pauline, starts snooping around the house, hears Danny’s voice and starts to bargain for her silence.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Stephen Kolek pitches well again The Royals made a shrewd move by acquiring starting pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
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Imagine what a shrewd, wheeler-dealer type could do with the Pirates.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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