Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective coy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of coy are bashful, diffident, modest, and shy. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," coy implies a pretended shyness.

put off by her coy manner

Where would bashful be a reasonable alternative to coy?

While in some cases nearly identical to coy, bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence.

a bashful boy out on his first date

When would diffident be a good substitute for coy?

While the synonyms diffident and coy are close in meaning, diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking.

felt diffident about raising an objection

When is it sensible to use modest instead of coy?

The meanings of modest and coy largely overlap; however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit.

modest about her success

When could shy be used to replace coy?

In some situations, the words shy and coy are roughly equivalent. However, shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.

shy with strangers

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 coy His coy narrative voice and audacious insouciance, thinly disguised under a patina of classical Oxford education and self-deprecating wit, amuse the reader for several hundred pages. Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025 The ‘angst’ of racing in the Daytona 500 for Kyle Busch Busch hasn’t been coy about his troubles in Daytona 500s of the past. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2025 The rising star, who collaborated with Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter and joined her for her NFL Christmas Day halftime show, has been notably coy about his potential involvement. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2025 Cruise has been coy about if this will indeed be his final installment. Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coy
Adjective
  • And some shy away from expressing controversial takes — even anonymously.
    James Mirtle, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • They may be drawn to partners who provide excitement but shy away from relationships that require effort, compromise or emotional depth.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 26 Feb. 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
  • Solitary, eccentric, shrouded in a mystical melancholy, Joakim fights for his farm and leads a withdrawn life, with only his pets and a neighbor for company; a Slovak immigrant who also lives ostracized, as an outsider.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Hong’s withdrawn gaze is interrupted by sudden movements, like pans across space and crash zooms into ongoing conversations.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Foggy is chatting up assistant D.A. Kirsten McDuffie (Nikki M. James) while Matt and Karen have their own flirtatious banter.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025
  • With a flirtatious smile, Ito pulls away her hand when Ataide attempts to kiss it.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • McNally is professionally bashful about such associations.
    Matthew Schneier, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Some of the folks were happy to have their pictures taken, while others were more bashful and/or private, preferring that only their watch be photographed.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Many of the effortless looks were anchored with fluid pencil skirts offered in an array of textures, from liquid-looking silk to textural fringes and micro beads, the latter conjuring a demure flapper girl élan.
    WWD, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
  • And while others may have been more demure in victory, Chalamet instead got honest and showed competitive fire in his acceptance speech.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coy

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