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 single-sink bathroom vanity had just enough room for two, but the massive walk-in shower featured a soaking tub.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The desk-sized vanity mirror features a sturdy silicone base with Mira, Rumi and Zoey’s faces on the bottom, alongside a tray for your hair accessories.
    Tim Chan, Footwear News, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Trump’s disregard for rules and institutions is the reason his supporters love him, and this film argues that such disregard has disastrous long-term consequences.
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • But even taken at face value, many appear upset at the disregard of rest.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • The duo have wowed club staff with their humble attitude, free of the stereotypical ego or baggage that often comes with big transfer fees.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • For a talented athlete, ego may mask a flaw obvious to others.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The parents were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in separate trials after prosecutors presented evidence of an unsecured gun at their home and their indifference toward their son's mental health.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Absent communication often leads to assumptions of indifference or disrespect, eroding trust and fostering hostility.
    Alejandro Cárdenas Villa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The pride of his city, his state, is now an NBA champion who calls future Hall of Famers his teammates.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Even though the Tower could be seen from all over London and the surrounding counties, and was a great source of national pride, the government maintained its top-secret status well into the 1990s.
    David Szondy August 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But institutional longevity should never become institutional complacency.
    David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But not for the first time, Putin’s complacency led to overconfidence.
    Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • However, confidence can quickly turn into arrogance, so remember to stay grounded.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • The combination of arrogance and doctored intelligence that led the United States and its allies into the 2003 Iraq War is almost made for Hollywood.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complacence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacence. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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