Definition of complacencenext
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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 complacence Stuck here on the planet’s surface, our mundane perspective is rarely challenged, so seeing both our world and its lone natural satellite side by side is a rare gift, a jolt to our cosmic complacence. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2025 This flagrant exclusion of such a win-win prospect largely stems from the aversion many environmental activists have of any potential solution that might lead to complacence on aggregate consumption. Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 His Finnish homeland, which shares an 800-mile border with Russia, has not been afforded the luxury of complacence. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Mar. 2025 The United States veered too far in the direction of complacence after the Cold War, discounting China and Russia’s competitive potential. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 25 July 2022 But the rise and fall of Japan's chipmakers suggests that leaders of the industry today have no room for complacence. Eamon Barrett, Fortune, 22 June 2021 But surely there must be a place for civil disobedience and protest that is sufficiently disruptive to rouse people from complacence. Yochai Benkler, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacence
Noun
  • The bathroom brings that rich blue into focus with its gilded vanity and various textures.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Nine-foot stainless-steel screens, originally designed to keep fish from swimming into dams, were reshaped into curved, airfoil-like vanity doors.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Once again, Gulf leaders were shocked not just by American disregard for their preferences but also by the revelation of American impotence.
    MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Elci clarified that was a nod to his father’s work ethic, not a disregard for his passing.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • College and pro coaches are tasked with managing egos, developing young athletes and leading different personalities and goals in the same unified direction.
    Elise Devlin, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • That takes not only a strong football mind, but also a lack of ego.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Kaepernick jolted the sports world from a state of indifference.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Institutional indifference and erasure Fast forward to today, and that defensive posture has hardened into absolute institutional erasure.
    Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Stewart, while offering advice on ownership challenges, expresses pride and excitement for Briscoe, noting their relationship will evolve from idol/driver to friendly competitors.
    Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • And in doing so, everything gradually registers — the cadence of campus life, the pride pulsing through students and alumni, the weight of the institution’s history.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And the fact that the Fever couldn’t match the Wings’ desperation served as another lesson in limiting complacency.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Since complacency doesn’t appear to be in the DNA of junior running back Ammar Banire, Oswego’s coaches have been preparing to turn their backfield standout loose.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But while that might suggest arrogance, Dawson’s answer to another question reflects humility.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Aemond, too, for that matter, while Daemon’s arrogance continues to get Team Black into all sorts of predicaments.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complacence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacence. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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