self-congratulatory

adjective

self-con·​grat·​u·​la·​to·​ry ˌself-kən-ˈgra-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce self-congratulatory (audio)
-ˈgra-jə-
: expressive of self-congratulation
self-congratulatory memoirs

Examples of self-congratulatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sacrifice captures the tenor of these high-end charity events that are attended by the famous and ultra-wealthy, and have a tendency to land somewhere between tone-deaf to hopelessly self-congratulatory. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025 These are all good reasons to feel bummed out about humanity, but leave it to Lanthimos to express his dismay in the most arch and self-congratulatory way possible. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 More than 18 months after that outreach, Douglas County commissioners slathered some complimentary and self-congratulatory frosting on this week’s invitation to the three-time Super Bowl champions to make their next home 20 miles south of Empower Field at Mile High. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025 The collection documents both sides of the slavery debate, pro and con—a useful correction to the self-congratulatory view of British history that celebrates abolition and turns a blind eye to everyone who defended slavery. Literary Hub, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-congratulatory

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-congratulatory was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Self-congratulatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-congratulatory. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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