coyly

[ koi-lee ]

/ ˈkɔɪ li /

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adverb

in a hesitant or indirect manner:The painting shows an eighteenth-century lady flirting with a coyly blushing young knight.

in a shy or modest manner:She read the note and thanked him coyly.

in a way that shows usually insincere or affected reluctance: When asked about the movie, she coyly replied, "It's a big secret; I’m not going to tell anybody."

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

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Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

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Origin of coyly

coy + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM coyly

o·ver·coy·ly, adverbun·coy·ly, adverb

Words nearby coyly

Cox's Orange Pippin, coxswain, Coxwell chair, coy, coydog, coyly, coyote, Coyote State, coyotillo, Coypel, coypu

How to use coyly in a sentence

Antonio Brown, who was suspended just last summer because of legal charges, has so far drawn negative attention only for a training camp fight that Arians coyly dismissed as “swatting flies.”
The Bucs are set to defend their title, with no drama and a more carefree Tom Brady|Eric Adelson|September 9, 2021|Washington Post
In the days after the mid-December test firing, officials from NASA and Boeing were coy about whether they would need to test-fire the rocket a second time.
It’s official—NASA will subject the SLS rocket to another hot fire test|Eric Berger|February 1, 2021|Ars Technica
The series has been coy about whether these adventures fighting gods and monsters were “real” in this universe’s logic.
How ‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ makes sense of stories about Vikings, pirates and George Washington|Gene Park|January 1, 2021|Washington Post
Rizzo was a bit coy, saying he has not talked to Scherzer about his future while acknowledging discussions could be on the “ownership level.”
Will the Nationals extend Max Scherzer’s contract? There are a few dynamics at play.|Jesse Dougherty|December 16, 2020|Washington Post

On Friday, when we sought confirmation of the endorsement from the Labor Council, they played coy, declining to provide a statement confirming or denying its decision.
Morning Report: Review Board Scolds Sheriff Over Body Cameras|Voice of San Diego|November 23, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Carter coyly characterizes the setting as “a room” and the time period as “yes.”
The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson (And Tolstoy and Dickens)|Samuel Fragoso|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Somewhat coyly, Skidmore admits that “Richard was to break this solemn vow in spectacular style.”
Three Dicks: Cheney, Nixon, Richard III and the Art of Reputation Rehab|Clive Irving|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If he coyly waffles this time around, his support will evaporate quicker than you can say Fred Thompson.
Reanimated and Ready: The Unstoppable Huckenstein|James Poulos|January 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I wish I could say it was...” another fan teases coyly, fully embracing the never-nude theme by going fully shirtless.
Never Nudes Flock to ‘Arrested Development’ Banana Stand|Kevin Fallon|May 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Verveer is headed for a prestigious think-tank spot, but she coyly provided no details.
John Kerry vs. Bob Woodward|Lloyd Grove|January 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Well, Mr. Robinson is a—sort of relation of yours; in fact—(playing with her rings and looking down coyly)—he is your—father.
First Plays|A. A. Milne
Well, Mr. Robinson is a–sort of relation of yours; in fact–(playing with her rings and looking down coyly)–he is your–father.
Belinda|A. A. Milne
Stars were bright, summer scents from the Kent cliffs mingled coyly with vulgar steamer-smells; the summer weather held immutably.
The Riddle of the Sands|Erskine Childers
I fear that the one who loves you, and whom you loved ere you came to me, will be angry with me and curse me, she coyly answered.
Laos Folk-Lore of Farther India|Katherine Neville Fleeson
But the daughter declined to be sold off in such a fashion unless—she coyly admitted—she could have half of the rum herself.
Myths And Legends Of Our Own Land, Complete|Charles M. Skinner