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

Examples 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 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 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cocksure
Adjective
  • Confident Communication Confident communication skills are not to be confused with being cocky or arrogant.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
  • So far Gabe seems to be feeling pretty cocky about squaring up against his machine replacement.
    WIRED Staff, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In fact, a 2023 survey by College Pulse found that only 49% of college students feel confident about their career prospects.
    Subha Barry, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • But while these global companies appeared confident in their strategies, tariffs could significantly hinder smaller brands.
    Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Only 38% of parents consider becoming a content creator to be a wise career choice.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • This approach would be wiser than pushing for a package of immediate and flashy short-term concessions that would damage alliances without realigning them meaningfully.
    Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Neame, while hopeful of another franchise, isn’t sure the spy thriller will get as far as his multi-generational drama set in a Yorkshire country house and around the lives of the Crawley family and their staff.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Ichiro is an all-time great and a sure first-ballot selection.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • More specifically, the impudent Skull Kid steals the Ocarina of Time and turns Link into a Deku Scrub, those antagonistic tree cannons first introduced in Ocarina.
    Ashley Bardhan, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024
  • In short, Moscow sees Montenegro as both strategically valuable and an impudent upstart that has thumbed its nose at the Russian bear while genuflecting before NATO and Washington.
    Edward P. Joseph, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2016
Adjective
  • 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
  • Her subversive and dominating personality, and sometimes insolent rhetoric in her active X presence set her apart from the likes of other female AI chatbots, such as Siri whose aim is to assist and serve.
    Fatemeh Fannizadeh, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is set to appear Thursday at an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania after Manhattan prosecutors filed a slew of new charges related to the brazen attack.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Chin Jinping, 61, could face anywhere between no prison time and five years behind bars as well as the possibility of losing his U.S. citizenship after admitting his role in the brazen Chinese spying scheme.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Established in 1755, Gautier produces Cognacs known for their bold and fruity flavors.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s red carpet looks are often bold and colorful or conceptually fantastical, taking up space and demanding attention.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near cocksure

Cite this Entry

“Cocksure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cocksure. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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