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
Relevance
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
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 cavalier
Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The result feels like a cavalier stunt—an audio-documentary shrine erected on a wobbly visual-narrative foundation.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 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
His characters make cavalier deals with the proverbial devil, even as the costs become harder to ignore.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The result feels like a cavalier stunt—an audio-documentary shrine erected on a wobbly visual-narrative foundation.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 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
-
And ironically, the most arrogant ones are the worst ones.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
But there’s a throughline in Smith’s most popular works — he’s been cast repeatedly as a villain, and usually an arrogant or smug one.—
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After running away before Cathy's wedding, Heathcliff transforms from a farm hand to a proper 18th-century gentleman—complete with a new gold tooth and hoop earring.—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The time belongs to the gentleman from Kentucky.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cavalier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavalier. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
