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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of complacent Foreign governments, including those of allies, will not be complacent once Trump leaves office. Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025 But not in a way of struggle, just in a way of never being complacent and never being content. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 Staying complacent after winning a championship wasn’t an option. Fiifi Frimpong, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025 That fuss would, in turn, ruffle the complacent country club and horsey set, the church folk, and the Cavalier-mad UVA alumni who had never quite left behind their college days. Deborah Baker june 3, Literary Hub, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
  • At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Actress January Jones channeled Isabel Marant’s nonchalant French-girl style by wearing an oversized sweater and cutoff jean shorts to a dinner hosted by the designer.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The smug and sanctimonious tenor of their briefing makes that plain.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • In a comedic twist, the Labrador retriever was filmed turning back to his owner during the drive, with a smug look on his face as if to boast about his comfortable spot.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even casual users should take a moment to review their settings and chat history to make sure personal details aren’t being shared without their knowledge.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Quiet luxury persists, but in a more casual, relaxed iteration.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Our more than 18,000 Bombardier employees are proud to welcome this new, important customer to our family.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Once again, Newsweek is proud to highlight your voices.
    Joshua Sammons, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The protests proved conclusively that Americans will not tolerate the deployment of the U.S. military in American cities, the constant line-stepping over constitutional boundaries, the arrests of political dissenters, or the arrogant defense of police-state tactics.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • In Aesop’s fable, the turtle (traditionally called a tortoise, which is a type of turtle) is a winner, a perpetual underdog who defeats the arrogant hare.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
  • Some men smeared cedar sap on their faces in a vain effort to repel mosquitoes and deerflies.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Responding to questions from defense lawyer Teny Geragos, Jane agreed that Combs became more apologetic and attentive, less egotistical and cold.
    NBC News, NBC news, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • From there, the team set about making Victor feel comfortable and confident as both a filmmaker and a performer.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • Financial institutions can build trust by judiciously providing key information to help clients make confident decisions without unnecessary complexities.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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