1
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
the boxer's flamboyant self-importance often made for a colorful prefight press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
her overbearing self-importance has given her a sense of entitlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-importance
Audiences today crave brands that prioritize substance over self-importance, and complexity and contradiction can be the very foundation of authenticity and connection.
—
Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Those most skeptical of climate change scored higher on scales associated with narcissism (self-importance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), and psychopathy (callousness).
—Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Lilian wondered if she and her husband, even in this new, plain life, were marked in some way, then laughed at her self-importance.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
In Roman Catholic traditions, some theologians consider pride — or the idea of unchecked self-importance or arrogance — the original and most serious sin.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025
This is a marvelous role for Skarsgard, who gets to play up Gustav’s self-importance and lack of accountability along with his flirtatious charm as the movie progresses.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Reckoning commits is buying into its own self-importance.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2025
Stepping away from self-importance and vanity could be challenging, so solidifying friendships and partnerships is the best way to handle the New Moon.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 24 Apr. 2025
People high on grandiose narcissism exhibit an inflated sense of superiority or self-importance, a lack of empathy, overconfidence, and entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Those most skeptical of climate change scored higher on scales associated with narcissism (self-importance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), and psychopathy (callousness).
—Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Lilian wondered if she and her husband, even in this new, plain life, were marked in some way, then laughed at her self-importance.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
In Roman Catholic traditions, some theologians consider pride — or the idea of unchecked self-importance or arrogance — the original and most serious sin.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025
This is a marvelous role for Skarsgard, who gets to play up Gustav’s self-importance and lack of accountability along with his flirtatious charm as the movie progresses.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Reckoning commits is buying into its own self-importance.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2025
Stepping away from self-importance and vanity could be challenging, so solidifying friendships and partnerships is the best way to handle the New Moon.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 24 Apr. 2025
People high on grandiose narcissism exhibit an inflated sense of superiority or self-importance, a lack of empathy, overconfidence, and entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-importance
Noun
-
The sweeping track was inspired in part by Rebecca Solnit’s 2014 collection Men Explain Things to Me, with the titular essay providing a scathing look at male arrogance and how conversations between men and women go awry.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
16 July 2025
-
But nothing in his tenure captures all at once the sense of arrogance, tone-deafness to the concerns of Floridians and obsession with keeping secrets.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Accessibility and Sustainability Mii amo features one ADA-compliant 400-square-foot Casita, complete with a king-size bed, a roll-in shower, a tub with a permanent seat, and an accessible double vanity.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
-
Distinctive elements: White oak vanity; brass fixtures; quartz countertops; Asian wallpaper.—
Lennie Omalza,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Being the world's most valuable company is not a sign of permanent superiority.—
Nur Hikmah Md Ali,
CNBC,
10 July 2025
-
What To Know According to a French intelligence report shared with the Associated Press, Chinese diplomats worked to publicize the downing of Rafale jets during the conflict while promoting the superiority of Chinese fighter aircraft.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/Getty Images Also read: Commanders Star WR Reacts to Ending Training Camp Holdout With countless people in and around the league trying to crown him the next big thing, Daniels' ego could have quickly inflated.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
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Tension could arise if egos clash, but underneath the surface, there’s an invitation to practice softness, to apologize without conditions, and to notice where control is getting in the way of genuine collaboration.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
27 July 2025
Noun
-
Leo season says to take pride in your accomplishments and put them on display.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
-
Explorers seek variety, creativity, and new experiences, prizing flexibility and innovation. Artisans, motivated by mastery and pride in their work, are autonomous and focused on quality.—
David Michels,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-importance. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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