1
as in coquettish
affecting shyness or modesty in order to attract masculine interest
not wanting him to know that she was interested in him, she acted very coy at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in shy
not comfortable around people
a coy toddler who hides whenever anyone comes to the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of coy
Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster.
—
Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Jacobs-Jenkins came to think that that coy allusion was a bad idea.
—Adam Moss, Vulture, 30 May 2025
Where other editors would remain strategically coy.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
However, the cast has stayed coy about any specifics of the film.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for coy
Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Jacobs-Jenkins came to think that that coy allusion was a bad idea.
—Adam Moss, Vulture, 30 May 2025
Where other editors would remain strategically coy.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
However, the cast has stayed coy about any specifics of the film.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for coy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coy
Adjective
-
The 26-year-old All-Pro very publicly requested a trade from Dallas yesterday, and fellow Cowboys players were not shy about voicing their support for the star edge rusher.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Isabella Sermon will appear opposite Lowden as Georgiana, Mr. Darcy's shy and shockingly accomplished teenage sister.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 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
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
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Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis: some men may want to talk openly, others may become quiet or withdrawn.—
Alex Apatoff,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Mars joined Rosé onstage at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium to showcase the flirtatious track, which sees the pair dueting on vocals and sharing the hooky chorus.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
-
Dinklage is particularly amusing as the giddy, genteel Prater, while Ritter balances wry disdain with flirtatious charm as Mia. Hall is, as always, entertaining as Dexter, delivering his character’s signature blend of deadpan humor and an earnest façade.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
-
There are dozens of people screaming his name and the young Ronaldo appears bashful and shy.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Chez Fifi is both a hot spot and a demure neighborhood restaurant, serving a classic French menu that draws crowds from uptown and downtown.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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Each side has a demure split that makes the dress more breathable, especially when the sun is beating down hard.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Coy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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