as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
a cavalier and pompous boss, indifferent to the feelings of her subordinates
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in gentleman
an honorable and courteous man
a novel about the dashing cavaliers and gracious ladies of the South before the Civil War
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cavalier
Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026
Nikola Jokic was cavalier with the ball, and the Cavaliers took advantage.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024
The change aims to clamp down on many crypto investors’ cavalier—and sometimes criminal—tax avoidance.
—Laura Saunders, WSJ, 11 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for cavalier
Adjective
Students are cavalier about turning AI writing in to me.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026
Nikola Jokic was cavalier with the ball, and the Cavaliers took advantage.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
Opal is described as a 5-pound red/brown cavapoo — a mix of a King Charles cavalier and a poodle.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024
The change aims to clamp down on many crypto investors’ cavalier—and sometimes criminal—tax avoidance.
—Laura Saunders, WSJ, 11 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for cavalier
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cavalier
Adjective
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The rabbi is ornery, arrogant, sometimes cruel.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Well, gentlemen, thank you both for lending us your expertise for this conversation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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In 2016, Eynon moved the operation to the new factory in Denver at the site of what was previously something of a private gentleman’s club for Denver Nuggets players, complete with a pool-table area, a bar, even a cigar and wine room.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cavalier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavalier. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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