self-congratulatory

adjective

self-con·​grat·​u·​la·​to·​ry ˌself-kən-ˈgra-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

-ˈgra-jə-

: expressive of self-congratulation

self-congratulatory memoirs

Examples of self-congratulatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump’s twenty-five-minute address, delivered from the East Room, had the self-congratulatory air of a State of the Union speech without the accompanying props—cheering lawmakers, unsmiling Justices, celebrity guests. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

The article contends American soccer's self-congratulatory, capitalistic culture, particularly Major League Soccer's revenue-first approach, prioritizes franchise value over competitive spectacle. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

The first seven episodes are measured and considered, without some of the worst habits of the series in its lesser seasons and episodes (there are no quasi-dream-like states or self-congratulatory flourishes, thank goodness). — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 25 June 2026

The mood was celebratory and a bit self-congratulatory. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-congratulatory

• nondiscriminatory
• thermoregulatory
• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory