cheeky
28 synonyms and 6 antonyms for cheeky, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Disrespectful or bold in a way that's often seen as playful or amusing rather than truly rude.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use cheeky
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cheeky grin
cheeky remark
a cheeky pint
Very common in British English; less used in American English, where "sassy" or "smart-mouthed" is more typical.
Etymology
Formed from cheek (in the sense of impudence) plus the adjective-forming suffix -y.
Full origin of cheeky →Frequently asked questions
What does “cheeky” mean?
The word “cheeky” means disrespectful or bold in a way that's often seen as playful or amusing rather than truly rude. In plain terms, bold or sassy in a way that's more charming than annoying.
How do you pronounce “cheeky”?
“Cheeky” is pronounced CHEE-kee (/ˈt͡ʃiːki/ in IPA).
How do you use “cheeky” in a sentence?
Here is “cheeky” used in a sentence: “The kid gave a cheeky grin before running off with the last cookie.”
What is another word for “cheeky”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cheeky” include sassy, saucy, insolent, audacious, bold and get wise.
What is the opposite of “cheeky”?
The opposite of “cheeky” — its antonyms — are polite, respectful, restrained, sycophantic and shy.
What part of speech is “cheeky”?
“Cheeky” is an adjective.
Is “cheeky” a common word?
“Cheeky” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cheeky” have?
“Cheeky” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: disrespectful or bold in a way that's often seen as playful or amusing rather than truly rude.
