cagey
/ˈkeɪdʒi/
ADJECTIVE
1. Wary and strategically cautious
Careful, alert, and shrewd in dealing with situations or people, especially to avoid risks, reveal too much, or be taken advantage of.
1.1. Cautious and wary behavior
Used to describe someone who is watchful, guarded, and reluctant to trust others or act without considering potential risks.
Synonyms
Examples
- The cat acted cagey around strangers, preferring to stay hidden until it felt safe.
- She remained cagey about accepting the offer because she suspected hidden conditions.
- Investors became cagey about the proposal after hearing reports of financial instability.
Related Words
1.2. Shrewd and calculating judgment
Used to describe someone who is clever, perceptive, and strategically careful when making decisions or dealing with others to protect their interests.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- artless
- guileless
- naive
- unsophisticated
Examples
- The cagey negotiator carefully assessed every proposal before making a decision.
- Her cagey approach helped her avoid revealing her business strategy to competitors.
Related Words
- intelligent
- clever
- perceptive
- discerning
- foresight
- strategy
- ingenuity
ADJECTIVE
2. Uncommunicative and reluctant to disclose information
Unwilling or hesitant to share information, express opinions, or answer questions openly, often deliberately keeping thoughts or intentions private.
2.1. Withholding information and avoiding disclosure
Used to describe someone who deliberately avoids revealing information, gives guarded answers, or remains evasive when questioned about a particular subject.
Synonyms
- secretive
- reticent
- evasive
- unforthcoming
- closemouthed
- tight-lipped
- reserved
- guarded
- taciturn
- uncommunicative
Antonyms
Examples
- The detective remained cagey about revealing details of the ongoing investigation.
- She gave a cagey response when asked about her future plans.
- The politician was known for being cagey in interviews, carefully choosing his words.
- Despite being pressed for information, the witness remained cagey about what he saw.
Related Words
- silence
- secrecy
- concealment
- discretion
- confidentiality
- ambiguity
- evasiveness
2.2. Hesitant and reluctant responses
Used to describe someone who responds cautiously, indirectly, or with uncertainty because they are unwilling or uncomfortable discussing a particular subject.
Synonyms
- hesitant
- reluctant
- reticent
- noncommittal
- tentative
- uncertain
- unsure
- indecisive
- equivocal
Antonyms
Examples
- She gave a cagey response when asked whether she planned to leave the company.
- The manager remained cagey when employees asked about the proposed changes.
Related Words
- hesitation
- uncertainty
- indecision
- reservation
- ambiguity
- unwillingness