https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coy
4 days ago · The meaning of COY is marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness. How to use coy in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Coy.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coy
1 day ago · 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. Where would bashful be a reasonable alternative to coy?
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/coy
COY definition: artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish. See examples of coy used in a sentence.
https://definxa.com/coy-meaning/
Jan 31, 2026 · At its core, coy describes a behavior that is deliberately modest, reserved, or evasive—often in a playful or flirtatious way. Example: “She gave a coy smile and looked away.” Example: “He was coy about his future plans.” Example: “Her coy reply made him even more curious.” Coy is rarely accidental.
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/coy_adj
There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word coy, eight of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/coy
Take the adjective coy for a person who pretends to be shy but really isn't, or someone who could give a definite answer but won't. Coy behavior can be playful or just plain annoying.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/coy
COY definition: 1. intentionally keeping something secret: 2. (especially of women) being or pretending to be shy…. Learn more.
https://englishwordchamps.com/coy-meaning-and-examples/
Dec 29, 2025 · "Coy" is an adjective used to describe someone who is deliberately showing shyness or modesty, often with an underlying intent to be intriguing, flirtatious, or elusive.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/coy
If someone is being coy, they are unwilling to talk about something that they feel guilty or embarrassed about. The hotel are understandably coy about the incident.
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/coy
Tending to avoid people and social situations; reserved: "The children were staring up at him, too coy to question him and too curious not to stare" (Edwidge Danticat).
