cagey

[ key-jee ]

adjective

, cag·i·er, cag·i·est.

1. cautious, wary, or shrewd:

   a cagey reply to the probing question.

   Synonyms: chary, leery, prudent, careful

   Antonyms: forthright, open

cagey

/ ˈkeɪdʒɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   not open or frank; cautious; wary

Derived Forms

• ˈcaginess, noun
• ˈcagily, adverb

Other Words From

• cagi·ly adverb
• cagi·ness cagey·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cagey¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; cage + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cagey¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

It features a probing interview with Stewart, who is by turns cagey and bluntly honest.

From Los Angeles Times

Born Dec. 11, 1944, Garr was cagey about her age but repeatedly said she was 11 when her father died of a heart attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Richardson, whose term ends in 2026, is calling for “full cost recovery,” but the phrase is “cagey,” said Boykoff, and “does not align with the recent history of the Olympics.”

From Los Angeles Times

After a cagey start with neither fighter willing to overcommit, she began to control the distance and land smart counter rights.

From BBC

Will imbues Peace with a flowing, cagey charm, alternating between humor, wisdom and a breezy I-belong-here confidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• circumspect
• crafty
• secretive
• shrewd
• wily