1
as in metaphor
an elaborate or fanciful way of expressing something
the conceit that the crowd at the outdoor rock concert was a vast sea of people waving to the beat of the music
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in illusion
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
his dream of swimming in the Olympics is nothing more than a conceit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
even though her novels are enormously popular, the writer is more prone to humility than to conceit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to imagine
to form a mental picture of
after a huge meal like that, I cannot conceit eating another thing for the rest of the day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of conceit
Charu Sinha, Vulture, 1 Feb. 2026
The 2025 British series Adolescence has wowed critics and audiences with its conceit of each episode comprising a single take, but star Stephen Graham was already quite familiar with this approach thanks to Boiling Point.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Jan. 2026
Moreover, Lane observes, the Symposium offers dueling narratives in its rhetorical speeches, undermining the conceit that the text pushes for ideological prescriptions.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
Ironically, there’s something very old-fashioned about the central conceit, which is basically an epistolary romance—but one whose letters soar across space and time.
—Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conceit
Noun
Tarzan This late-episode highlight just has a very funny conceit (Tarzan breaks up with Jane after noticing several red flags) paired with a host who has the benefit of having played this character before in a big-budget film.
—Charu Sinha, Vulture, 1 Feb. 2026
The 2025 British series Adolescence has wowed critics and audiences with its conceit of each episode comprising a single take, but star Stephen Graham was already quite familiar with this approach thanks to Boiling Point.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Jan. 2026
Moreover, Lane observes, the Symposium offers dueling narratives in its rhetorical speeches, undermining the conceit that the text pushes for ideological prescriptions.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
Ironically, there’s something very old-fashioned about the central conceit, which is basically an epistolary romance—but one whose letters soar across space and time.
—Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conceit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceit
Noun
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Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show used a variety of costumes and props as metaphors for America's ongoing racial and political divisions.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
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For Manuel, the moral universe of the golf course — as well as the game itself — functions as an underlying metaphor for the Philippines’ cycles of political stasis.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As Nick and Jacki’s conversations deepen, the line between witness and participant blurs, forcing both to confront what justice demands, what belief requires, and the perilous distance between true freedom and the illusion of self-determination.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2026
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This work by Franco-Isreali artist Yorame Mevorach, also known as Oyoram, gives the illusion of swimming along the river’s edge.—
Kasia Dietz,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If there’s not enough space in your vanity to keep the counter clear, a storage cabinet is a great way to keep daily items accessible.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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So, roughly $300 billion – a 7% gap – separates these three countries from California on this vanity scoreboard.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Her bodice-ripping, visually sumptuous version, in theaters Friday, incorporates some essential literary elements, but also imagines what’s in between the lines of Brontë’s writing, including sultry moments between the protagonists.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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From the kitchen comes an equally elegant menu of classics – think gorgeous local steaks, terrines and roasted Amish chicken plated with cockles – imagined with creativity and a deep understanding of European technique seen through a Tennessee lens.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Being cheated on or in an abusive relationship can leave a deep imprint on one’s psyche and lead to an ex appearing in dreams.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2026
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What initially appears to be a Marxist dream state soon reveals itself as a system maintained through algorithmic control and absolute surveillance.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump’s ego can take only so much criticism.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Time draws these kids osmotically through a membrane, turning them into things like us, adults captured by the brittle carapaces of our egos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
It’s envisioned as a regional draw capable of hosting youth hockey, skating events, tournaments and other large indoor gatherings.—
Kendrick Calfee
February 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Kottikollon does not envision guests arriving for an annual weeklong retreat only to return to daily life unchanged.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With the help of Mariah Carey, the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony will be a sweet, sweet fantasy.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
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Left for dead by most fantasy players, CMC was a man on a mission.—
Bill Reinhard,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conceit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceit. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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