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
Because strength in a character dimension can operate in an excess vice state when not supported by other dimensions, there is a danger of unbalanced character manifesting in the dangerous space of being self-righteous.
—
Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
The film also adopts an unfortunate and unearned self-righteous tone, especially in the credits.
—Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
They are sent off to a grandmother in Ontario who is the epitome of cold, self-righteous Protestant virtue.
—Margaret Atwood, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Today's Democratic party is dominated by self-righteous, upper-middle class, coastal elites—people wealthy enough to avoid sending their children to failing public schools and able to overlook the true costs of their green agenda.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-righteous
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.
Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
The film also adopts an unfortunate and unearned self-righteous tone, especially in the credits.
—Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
They are sent off to a grandmother in Ontario who is the epitome of cold, self-righteous Protestant virtue.
—Margaret Atwood, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Today's Democratic party is dominated by self-righteous, upper-middle class, coastal elites—people wealthy enough to avoid sending their children to failing public schools and able to overlook the true costs of their green agenda.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-righteous
Cite this Entry
“Self-righteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-righteous. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share