1
as in arrogant
having too high an opinion of oneself
a winner who was so smug that he lost the goodwill of the crowd
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tidy
being clean and in good order
the suburb's smug lawns and tree-lined streets bespeak a comfortable affluence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smug
His reboot has the benefit of an actor, David Corenswet, who may not have a lot of colors to work with, but whose presence is infinitely easier to take and less of a huge pile of smug than Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.
—
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
In Superman, Bennett steps into the shoes of Steve Lombard, the Daily Planet's smug sports reporter.
—EW.com, 28 June 2025
One of Ferrell’s biggest and best movies was this hilarious racing spoof, which followed the rise and fall and rise of a smug champion racer, his complicated friendship with best pal and fellow racer John C. Reilly, and his rivalry with an effete, snotty Frenchman played by Sacha Baron Cohen.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Francis Fox, pedophile, is a smug, deceitful middle school English teacher, practiced in the art of seduction and the rewards and punishment psychology of B.F. Skinner.
—Heather Scott Partington, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for smug
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
In Superman, Bennett steps into the shoes of Steve Lombard, the Daily Planet's smug sports reporter.
—EW.com, 28 June 2025
One of Ferrell’s biggest and best movies was this hilarious racing spoof, which followed the rise and fall and rise of a smug champion racer, his complicated friendship with best pal and fellow racer John C. Reilly, and his rivalry with an effete, snotty Frenchman played by Sacha Baron Cohen.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Francis Fox, pedophile, is a smug, deceitful middle school English teacher, practiced in the art of seduction and the rewards and punishment psychology of B.F. Skinner.
—Heather Scott Partington, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for smug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smug
Adjective
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In addition to Sandler, the 2025 film also sees the return of several familiar faces, including Julie Bowen as Happy’s love interest, Virginia Venit; Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arrogant nemesis; and Ben Stiller as Hal L., the orderly from Happy’s grandmother’s nursing home.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Christopher McDonald plays Happy’s comically villainous, arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, maestro of the finger guns.—
Skyler Trepel,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Of course, those who steeled themselves and bought into the selloff have seen a tidy profit.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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According to Sheriff Nettleton, Dal las was clean and kept a tidy camp.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
Pursuing a relationship in order to feel proud of oneself, more competent or even validated.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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But that policy can also backfire – in part because many regions, such as Marathi-speaking Maharashtra in the west – are staunchly proud of their local language.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Sean's going to give you the set-up on Cboe stock, which has been moving in a tightly wound, neat little uptrend all summer long.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
24 July 2025
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The finish is medium length, with lingering notes of nutmeg and soft rye spices—an excellent rye for cocktails or sipping neat.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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Responding to questions from defense lawyer Teny Geragos, Jane agreed that Combs became more apologetic and attentive, less egotistical and cold.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Although Faraday Future hasn't set pricing yet, reports suggest the electric MPV will start at around US$70,000 and go up to Escalade territory based on trim options.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 July 2025
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Other times its a bold red silk blouse with a tiered ruffle sleeves and a trim black pencil skirt.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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If change doesn’t come, then my son’s death was in vain.—
Isabel Rivera,
Miami Herald,
16 July 2025
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And even if the door slams shut and the Rays actually do end up staying in Tampa Bay, the Dreamers’ effort wasn’t in vain.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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This is the worst kind of football team: a conceited but objectively mediocre squad.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
The Mercury News,
17 Nov. 2024
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Rory Kinnear steals some of the best lines as the conceited British prime minister, and Ato Essandoh, as Kate’s deputy chief, plays the ever-flustered man surrounded by extremely capable women with admirable humor, charm, and confidence.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
30 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Smug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smug. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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