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
Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
His characters make cavalier deals with the proverbial devil, even as the costs become harder to ignore.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 23 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
The administration’s cavalier approach to the law prompted at least one judge to school its lawyers in proper procedure.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
His characters make cavalier deals with the proverbial devil, even as the costs become harder to ignore.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 23 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
-
Planning for more than 11 contests out of Dobbins, something only produced twice over his first six NFL seasons, isn’t just arrogant.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Capitalize on the overwhelming support for legislative transparency and Spilka, Mariano and Attorney General Andea Campbell’s arrogant refusal to implement it.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Oh, so much farther, ladies and gentlemen.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Well, you and the 999 other gentlemen who move fast enough to snag one.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cavalier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavalier. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
