self-flattering

Definition of self-flatteringnext

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 self-flattering Might there be a hint of something vain, or self-flattering in that charm? Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 Sugimoto’s ecoformalism consists in challenging this self-flattering intuition. Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025 Not waste time on glib and self-flattering diversions. Mark Z. Barabak, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025 Convert a self-flattering remark into a mixture of both humility-based and complaint-based. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 The notion that history is a story of progress is another self-flattering illusion. Helena Rosenblatt, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-flattering
Adjective
  • Hüller was overwhelmed by the praise at the Palais, her trademark stoicism breaking as the crowd saluted her moments of emotional abandon — including a tearjerker of a long-distance phone call and an explosion of rage at her narcissistic patriarch.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • Lest anyone think Perseverance is too narcissistic, the rover also employed its Mastcam-Z to also photograph Lac de Charmes’ Arbot area a few days later.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Miniature Wife Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen star in this dramedy about an egocentric scientist on the verge of a breakthrough who accidentally shrinks his wife, a Pulitzer-winning author who hasn’t written a lick in more than a decade.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • A lot of tennis players are so egocentric.
    Patrick McEnroe, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The famously hubristic Cameron thought there could be no better way to show that losing Leo wouldn’t sink his movie than by casting his Basketball Diaries co-star and rival.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The Iraq War’s neoconservative architects suffered from a hubristic faith in American power and their own righteousness.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Avoid Burying Praise in Negatives To avoid making children too conceited, parents might bury praise in the midst of negatives.
    Wayne Parker, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The Pitt definitely feels like the type of workplace where conceited doctors-in-training are pretty much guaranteed to quickly get knocked down a peg.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hathaway gets the most fun part to play in this formidable ensemble, starring as egotistical actress Daphne Kluger, who starts as the mark but ends up enlisting among the thieves.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • Demolishes the East Wing of the White House on an egotistical whim?
    Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the series’ central character, played by Rachel Weisz, has enough nervous, itchy, manic energy to make the show’s narrative structure feel purposely unstable rather than safely smug.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026
  • McDaniels, who cut through the Nuggets’ egos early in the series with fearless words and a smug grin, got the last laugh.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Three hundred high school players gather at a remote facility to compete in ruthless trials where only one will emerge as the world’s greatest and most egoistic striker.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Understate the threat and officials risk appearing complacent.
    Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Supporters of the president's party often become more complacent after a presidential election, given their preferred party is running things.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-flattering. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster