arrogance
noun
ar·ro·gance
ˈer-ə-gən(t)s 
ˈa-rə-
: an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions
Examples of arrogance in a Sentence
He was like a movie star at his high school reunion, muting his arrogance and trying to be a regular guy for old times' sake. He seemed to genuinely appreciate the honor.
—
Carlo Rotella, New York Times Sports Magazine, June 2008
This kind of official arrogance is not new, of course, although it is perhaps more common in dictatorships than in democracies.
—Ian Buruma, New York Times Book Review, 17 Sept. 2006
Arrogance is, at once, what an athlete most needs and what fans least want to see.
—Dan Le Batard, ESPN, 15 Mar. 2004
A British expat who could have stepped out of a Graham Greene plot, Twyman makes an improbable Jamaican hero. His self-assurance borders on arrogance, particularly when something is not done precisely the way he would do it himself.
—Barry Estabrook, Gourmet, July 2003
Her arrogance has earned her a lot of enemies.
We were shocked by the arrogance of his comments.
Carlo Rotella, New York Times Sports Magazine, June 2008
This kind of official arrogance is not new, of course, although it is perhaps more common in dictatorships than in democracies.
—Ian Buruma, New York Times Book Review, 17 Sept. 2006
Arrogance is, at once, what an athlete most needs and what fans least want to see.
—Dan Le Batard, ESPN, 15 Mar. 2004
A British expat who could have stepped out of a Graham Greene plot, Twyman makes an improbable Jamaican hero. His self-assurance borders on arrogance, particularly when something is not done precisely the way he would do it himself.
—Barry Estabrook, Gourmet, July 2003
Her arrogance has earned her a lot of enemies.
We were shocked by the arrogance of his comments.
Recent Examples on the Web
All of these terms are used interchangeably to refer to projecting quiet confidence without arrogance.
—Melody Wilding, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The Democratic Party is in shambles because it has become consumed by leadership that wants to have cerebral debates over abstract concepts, and the Republican Party brand, vis-à-vis its own leadership, fails to appeal to greater masses because of its fascination with uninformed arrogance.
—Fabian Naranjo Gonzalez, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
In Greek tragedy, hubris — overconfidence or arrogance — leads otherwise capable leaders to their downfall.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
Mitchell prides himself on being a no-nonsense, no-bulls*** kind of man, but his attitude can sometimes come across as arrogance.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arrogance
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Melody Wilding, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The Democratic Party is in shambles because it has become consumed by leadership that wants to have cerebral debates over abstract concepts, and the Republican Party brand, vis-à-vis its own leadership, fails to appeal to greater masses because of its fascination with uninformed arrogance.
—Fabian Naranjo Gonzalez, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
In Greek tragedy, hubris — overconfidence or arrogance — leads otherwise capable leaders to their downfall.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
Mitchell prides himself on being a no-nonsense, no-bulls*** kind of man, but his attitude can sometimes come across as arrogance.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arrogance
Cite this Entry
“Arrogance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrogance. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arrogance
noun
ar·ro·gance
ˈar-ə-gən(t)s
: a sense of one's own importance that shows itself in a proud and insulting way
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