Definition of haughtynext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 Wiig says, referring to the classic TV sitcom of the 1960s and ‘70s that starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha, a witch who marries a mortal man, Darrin, much to her haughty mother, Endora’s, chagrin. Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025 Indeed, these tales characterize Jesus as a rather haughty boy, conscious of his divinity and not happy with those who treat him as a mere child. Mary Dzon, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025 There’s an indulgent satisfaction to these films, most notably on display in this new trailer when Gellar literally stakes Weaving in the heart (or … the shoulder, most likely), that prevents them for tipping into a haughty self-seriousness. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025 Apple has provided some guilty pleasure companion reading for fans of Vince Gilligan‘s new apocalyptic drama Pluribus, full of proud, haughty pirates corsairs and Mandovian spicefruit. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haughty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haughty
Adjective
  • He is paired with an arrogant young partner (Lou), a second-generation political scion whose personality clashes sharply with his own.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
  • In the early years of his fame as a writer, Rushdie had something of a reputation for being prickly and arrogant, but Gibney’s portrait reveals a man mellowed by time and experience.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Playing in this year's Super Bowl was Rockwall legend Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the Rockwall community couldn't be prouder of him, holding a watch party in his honor.
    Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The Patriots’ defense, however, should stand proud after Sunday’s contest.
    Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But there’s a throughline in Smith’s most popular works — he’s been cast repeatedly as a villain, and usually an arrogant or smug one.
    Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
  • But that poem is no smug cliché.
    Judy Berman, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet whenever Bunny turns away from Frank to take a call from one of his underlings about the day-to-day violence and ugliness of their industry, a somewhat disdainful look passes across Frank’s face.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Godchaux was a divisive figure among Grateful Dead devotees — many fans were frankly outright disdainful of her presence on stage.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Nikola Jokic was cavalier with the ball, and the Cavaliers took advantage.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Stop this cavalier approach to our safety now.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Benefits of a Bread Oven The top benefit of a dedicated bread oven is superior bread.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Southern Living editors recommend unique products at Trader Joe's, such as Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, known for their superior taste and balance.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Even though the Lions went to Chicago already eliminated from the postseason, Campbell came away with confirmation that the franchise has prideful players.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
  • As someone who has a prideful demeanor, this can be challenging.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 26 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Haughty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haughty. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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