self-righteous

adjective

self-righ·​teous ˌself-ˈrī-chəs 

: convinced of one's own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others : narrow-mindedly moralistic

self-righteously adverb

self-righteousness noun

Examples of self-righteous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Camille’s self-righteous anger, so understandable yet so misguided, has burned through the screen every week. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

The financier Carl Icahn, Ackman’s longtime nemesis and business rival, famously denounced him as a self-righteous crybaby. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Simon’s self-righteous callousness warranted a rebuke, but the rebuke provided Simon the opportunity to see the situation more clearly, to repent, and to love more going forward. — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Yet, the most grating new addition is a self-righteous student named Dei Meeks (Sydney Park), who polices the humor. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-righteous

• righteous
• unrighteous

Kids Definition

self-righteous

adjective

self-righ·​teous

ˈsel-ˈfrī-chəs

: strongly convinced of the rightness of one's actions or beliefs

self-righteously adverb

self-righteousness noun