as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
a momentary complacency that was quickly dispelled by the shock of cold reality
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complacency
Yet, America’s current posture reflects decades of complacency, not the realities of 21st-century competition.
—
Paul McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Prosperous empires throughout history have suffered failures born from complacency.
—Jamie Holmes, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
Around 15 years ago, Robert Gates, the Secretary of Defense in the Obama Administration articulated American impatience with European complacency over international security and gaps in defense funding for NATO.
—Ivan Krastev, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
Avoiding complacency is the top task for UCLA going forward – and for good reason.
—Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacency
Paul McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Prosperous empires throughout history have suffered failures born from complacency.
—Jamie Holmes, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
Around 15 years ago, Robert Gates, the Secretary of Defense in the Obama Administration articulated American impatience with European complacency over international security and gaps in defense funding for NATO.
—Ivan Krastev, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
Avoiding complacency is the top task for UCLA going forward – and for good reason.
—Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacency
Noun
-
The rooms Even the standard guest rooms have a good amount of space (starting at 600 square), and the style feels contemporary and understated with rooms done in tan desert hues with natural stone glass showers, double sink vanities, and oval tubs, plus large balconies or patios.—
Lizbeth Scordo,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
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Melania has been described as having an audience of one, but that intended viewer’s taste runs more toward Ratner’s earlier work, and Rush Hour 4 is going to be a lot harder to manifest than this vanity project.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That set the stage for an epic clash of strategic visions and executive egos that culminated in the Disney board ousting Chapek in November 2022 and Iger reclaiming the CEO role.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
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The good news for voters otherwise predisposed to Abughazaleh is that there’s a youthful progressive candidate in the race with similar views but who comes with a record of service and without the ego.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But since his 2016 debut, Bad Bunny has emerged as the leader of a new cohort of barrier-breaking artists, among them Karol G, J Balvin, Anitta and Peso Pluma, who are globalizing the genre and redefining crossover appeal with their fierce cultural pride.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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No reward, other than the pride of having survived.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Despite trariffs, military power, dollar dominance and presidential arrogance, isolation, America will triumph.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
23 Jan. 2026
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Adriana is immediately aware of his confidence—bordering on arrogance—but also senses potential chemistry in their skating styles.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complacency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacency. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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