Cocksure — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈkäk-ˈshu̇r/ cock·sure

Meaning & Definition of Cocksure

Cocksure (adjective)

  1. feeling perfect assurance sometimes on inadequate grounds
  2. marked by overconfidence or presumptuousness, cocky

Cocksure (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. displaying or marked by rude boldness

    "his cocksure assertion that only he could solve the problem"

    similar: arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, brazen-faced, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy, wise
    related: assertive, forward, obtrusive, defiant, disrespectful, shameless, unabashed, unblushing, bluff, blunt, curt, cute, facetious, flip, flippant, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, lippy, mouthy
    opposite: meek, mousy, retiring, shy, timid
    near: demure, humble, modest, courteous, genteel, mannerly, polite, proper, deferential, respectful, abashed, ashamed, blushing, embarrassed, shamefaced, gentle, mild, inconspicuous, unobtrusive

  2. having or showing a mind free from doubt

    "you're always so cocksure about everything"

    similar: assured, certain, clear, confident, doubtless, implicit, positive, sanguine, sure
    related: self-assured, self-conceited, self-confident, decisive, resolute, unfaltering, unhesitating, unquestioning, unwavering
    opposite: doubtful, dubious, uncertain, unsure
    near: hesitant, indecisive, vacillating, wavering, diffident, unassuming

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cocksure

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cocksure:

arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, brazen-faced, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy, wise, assured, certain, clear, confident, doubtless, implicit, positive, sanguine, sure

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Cocksure

Words with the opposite meaning of Cocksure:

meek, mousy, retiring, shy, timid, doubtful, dubious, uncertain, unsure

Related Words for Cocksure

assertive, forward, obtrusive, defiant, disrespectful, shameless, unabashed, unblushing, bluff, blunt, curt, cute, facetious, flip, flippant, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, lippy, mouthy, self-assured, self-conceited, self-confident, decisive, resolute, unfaltering, unhesitating, unquestioning, unwavering

Near Antonyms of Cocksure

demure, humble, modest, courteous, genteel, mannerly, polite, proper, deferential, respectful, abashed, ashamed, blushing, embarrassed, shamefaced, gentle, mild, inconspicuous, unobtrusive, hesitant, indecisive, vacillating, wavering, diffident, unassuming

Word Forms of Cocksure

Derived words: cocksurely (adverb), cocksureness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Cocksure

probably from cock:1 + sure

First known use: 1672

Frequently Asked Questions about Cocksure

What does "Cocksure" mean?

"Cocksure" means feeling perfect assurance sometimes on inadequate grounds. As an adjective, it is defined as: feeling perfect assurance sometimes on inadequate grounds. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cocksure"?

Other words for "Cocksure" include arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy and brazen. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cocksure" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cocksure"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cocksure". Common alternatives include arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, brazen-faced and cheeky.

What is the opposite of "Cocksure"?

Antonyms of "Cocksure" include meek, mousy, retiring, shy, timid, doubtful, dubious and uncertain. Near antonyms include demure, humble, modest and courteous.

How do you use "Cocksure" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cocksure" in a sentence: "his cocksure assertion that only he could solve the problem"; "you're always so cocksure about everything".

Is "Cocksure" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cocksure" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Cocksure"?

"Cocksure" is pronounced /ˈkäk-ˈshu̇r/ and divided into syllables as cock·sure.

What is the origin of the word "Cocksure"?

"Cocksure" comes from probably from cock:1 + sure. First known use: 1672.