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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 complacent Image As a candidate for the White House and after taking office, Mr. Trump said Taiwan was spending far too little on its military and was too complacent about the United States coming to its rescue in a war. Chris Buckley, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 This can inhibit decision-making and discourage open dialogue, eventually creating a complacent environment that kills motivation and innovation. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 Texas cannot get complacent, though, and must continue to stack wins as the schedule gets a little softer. Jim Root, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 Plenty of those in Europe’s corridors of power agree that a complacent continent has for too long relied on Washington’s protection. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
  • Ray fluctuates more, is nonchalant about a few things, which drives me nuts.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
  • At the meeting, Hanes seemed oddly nonchalant, exuding the air of an overconfident salesman.
    David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Duttons are just barely scraping by, the smug evil-doer is enjoying a warm bath in his mansion.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Network executives might complain, and casual viewers may go to bed, but these are not the factors that determine the Oscars’ success — in the here and now, or in the long term.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Lola Rose showcases an eclectic mix of vintage and custom furnishings, including cozy booths, plush sofas and mid-century modern chairs, ideal for happy hour, social gatherings or casual dinners.
    Taryn White, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • So for him, super proud of him and for him first and foremost.
    Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025
  • In part because of Dell Curry on the mic breaking down the action, jockeying between proud dad and TV analyst from his perch alongside play-by-play man Eric Collins up in Section 105.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The actor has one daughter with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and has been dating his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014. 05 of 09 John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad The actor behind the arrogant Lord Farquaad boasts an impressive career that began decades before Shrek came out in 2001.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Many members of its board appeared arrogant in the face of questions from the prosecutor or one of the lawyers.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The enlightenment championed by the May 4 and June 4 movements may have never arrived, Wang argues, but nor was the quest in vain.
    Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
  • However, all your energy and sacrifices are in vain if your vision is empty and shallow—like a dry riverbed.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no egotistical rock star bullsh**t going on here.
    Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • This was my chance to not be an actor, not have that stink of being an actor, that egotistical, show-off, controlling, making choices, being clever part of being an actor.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Little ‘confident’ federal roles will remain even as layoffs begin Much of Idaho’s resiliency to federal funding cuts will depend on its maintenance of a state budget surplus, Little said Tuesday.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2025
  • However, Gomes is confident that the winter moves have given the Dodgers some added adrenaline for 2025 and will offset a potential championship hangover.
    John Perrotto, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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