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.
One of Robinson’s smartest moves was bringing back series stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt in roles that went far beyond the typical self-conscious (and self-congratulatory) cameos to create a fascinating conversation between the new film and the original. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025 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 The California governor, meanwhile, is a possible 2028 Democratic presidential contender and has emerged in recent months as one of Trump's sharpest critics, making headlines for mocking Trump by imitating his all-caps and self-congratulatory social media posts. Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 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 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 13 Nov. 2025.

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