as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
a momentary complacency that was quickly dispelled by the shock of cold reality
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complacency
Ironically, my reaction to a previous illuminated tire light may have lulled me into complacency when that light returned months later.
—
Doug Turnbull,
AJC.com,
28 June 2026
Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Until Jennings produced Aquarium’s 2020 record Lamentations, Barham believed the way to avoid complacency in the studio was to change producers for each record.
—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
But there’s also a danger in complacency, because perception can become reality.
—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacency
Doug Turnbull,
AJC.com,
28 June 2026
Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Until Jennings produced Aquarium’s 2020 record Lamentations, Barham believed the way to avoid complacency in the studio was to change producers for each record.
—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2026
But there’s also a danger in complacency, because perception can become reality.
—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacency
Noun
-
The bathroom is nearby and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, and an incinerating toilet – which literally turns waste into ash.
-
The hotel’s wellness focus extends to the bathrooms, which boast walk-in showers, claw-foot soaking tubs, and double-sink marble vanities embellished with ornate gilt mirrors.
Noun
-
Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
-
Politics, Lander said, didn’t have to be a selfish endeavor driven by ego.
Noun
-
There was no plan, no standoff between gang rivals, no battle for pride and respect at 10th and K streets, Mtula Payton’s attorney told jurors Wednesday.
-
Aside from hotel-quality designs, the bedding brand takes pride in their fair-trade practices and non-toxic materials, and has earned Fair Trade Certified and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) seals.
Noun
-
Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
-
In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
Cite this Entry
“Complacency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacency. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
