1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude the haughty waiter smirked when I remarked that it was odd that a French restaurant didn't even have french fries on the menu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective haughty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of haughty are arrogant, disdainful, insolent, lordly, overbearing, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

In what contexts can arrogant take the place of haughty?

The words arrogant and haughty can be used in similar contexts, but arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When might disdainful be a better fit than haughty?

In some situations, the words disdainful and haughty are roughly equivalent. However, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When could insolent be used to replace haughty?

While the synonyms insolent and haughty are close in meaning, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

Where would lordly be a reasonable alternative to haughty?

While in some cases nearly identical to haughty, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

When would overbearing be a good substitute for haughty?

Although the words overbearing and haughty have much in common, overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

When can proud be used instead of haughty?

The meanings of proud and haughty largely overlap; however, proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When is supercilious a more appropriate choice than haughty?

The synonyms supercilious and haughty are sometimes interchangeable, but supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

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 haughty The film centers on a colony of ants — no better model for we, the lowly workers — who must toil to yield a yearly sacrifice of grain to the haughty grasshoppers in order to be left alone. Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 20 Jan. 2025 Known for his suave leading roles, Jourdan depicts vampirism as a mark of haughty aristocracy rather than an outright curse. Celia Mattison, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024 Yet Ellen is initially dismissed as hysterical by the stuffy men around her, including her well-meaning husband and his nobleman pal Friedrich Harding (a haughty Aaron Taylor-Johnson). David Sims, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024 Yet, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit goes well beyond the traditional signposts by adopting a quasi-Ealing feel to its superficially cozy country setting, and by showcasing the comically haughty side of the British aristocracy. Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haughty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haughty
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
  • Angie Stone was proud to be an Honorary Member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Pérez feels Chicagoans should be proud that their city will host the North American premiere of this production.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • President-Elect Donald Trump is openly disdainful of many governments in Europe and seems willing to walk away from America’s role as the continent’s protector.
    Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Now, the norms for AI will emerge in a political and cultural environment that's hostile to regulation and disdainful of limits.
    Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But after this rush of cavalier soldiering and bitter sarcasm comes a sobering moment.
    Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
  • According to a Vet Explains Pets article by Dr. Jess Kirk, the breeds that are more suited for living with small animals like rabbits include golden retrievers, cavalier king Charles spaniels, pugs, beagles, and poodles, among others.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 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
  • The two-time All-Star selection was initially prideful to be selected as a member of Canada's official roster in December after almost retiring only two seasons ago.
    Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
  • This is a prideful team that knows it was dealt a bad hand this year.
    Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

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

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