self-satisfaction

noun

self-sat·​is·​fac·​tion ˌself-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-shən How to pronounce self-satisfaction (audio)
Synonyms of self-satisfactionnext
: a usually smug satisfaction with oneself or one's position or achievements

Examples of self-satisfaction in a Sentence

so many of the Web site's self-portraits give the impression of clueless self-satisfaction
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.
My disappointment in Vigil came down to the waste of a perfect setup for exhibiting the worldly redemption of art—that is, its power to redeem us from insensitivity and self-satisfaction. Julius Taranto, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026 There’s a fine line between righteousness and self-satisfaction, and the second season, which premieres on HBO Max on January 8, frequently stumbles into the latter territory. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026 Enmired in the self-satisfactions and unnamed timidities of childhood, Galinda finds in herself neither canniness nor the need to cultivate it. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 30 Nov. 2025 Enmired in the self-satisfactions and unnamed timidities of childhood, Galinda finds in herself neither canniness nor the need to cultivate it. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 After a precise drone and cruise missile successfully hit Saudi Arabia’s vital oil infrastructure in September 2019, Russia could hardly conceal its delight and self-satisfaction. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Trump himself personifies stupidity’s essential feature — self-satisfaction, an inability to recognize the flaws in your thinking. David Brooks, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025 Just as there’s no dramatic build-up to Maria landing the part, there’s no romance to the process of acting it, nor the slightest whiff of self-satisfaction in recreating iconic scenes. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025 Corporate leaders will be called upon to overcome self-satisfaction with progress made in the advancement of gender parity for women, especially those in senior and middle management. Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-satisfaction was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Self-satisfaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-satisfaction. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-satisfaction

noun
self-sat·​is·​fac·​tion
ˌself-ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-shən
: a usually overly satisfied feeling about oneself or one's achievements
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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