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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of cagey
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
This was a very tough spot against a big, cagey Vegas team that’s been constructed like something of a reverse image of the Canucks.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
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
Asked about plot details, Kendrick is cagey.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
This was a very tough spot against a big, cagey Vegas team that’s been constructed like something of a reverse image of the Canucks.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
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
Asked about plot details, Kendrick is cagey.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cagey
Adjective
-
This test can be trickier for some vacuums, as side brushes tend to fling rice particles on the slick surface.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
-
While ichthyosaurs slid through the water with slick skin, other marine reptiles evolved streamlined scales.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Turner announced his new relationship on an April 2025 podcast episode Turner was initially hesitant to share the identity of his new girlfriend, but began talking about his new relationship in April 2025.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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This demonstrates how even those driving innovation are often hesitant to embrace its full implications.—
Sabeer Nelliparamban,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With time, cunning, and no irony, the Shuberts slew the Syndicate Goliath and built a monopolistic empire of their own that Justice Department lawyers would decades later force into an antitrust settlement.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
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The mean girl, as we’ve been taught to recognize her, is cunning and charismatic.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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While there’s no doubt the videos feature cute little ones and are intended just for laughs, mental health professionals say what some parents view as harmless fun may actually be affecting children in unplanned ways.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Given the volume of legally dubious activity, some of the administration’s unlawful actions will inevitably advance before litigation can stop them.—
Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Apr. 2025
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In The Hulk, Ross uses dubious means to hunt down Bruce Banner.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fast forward 20 minutes after the latest mature words uttered by the Wild’s wily ol’ vet.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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What about that wily junk dealer, or the creepy cemetery?—
Kevin Purdy,
ArsTechnica,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Getting Jones in Round 5 in 2022 was a shrewd move, but the Bears need more Day 2 and Day 3 hits.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
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Their choice already looks shrewd, with Smith producing a 1.54 ERA in his first two starts.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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