1
as in nonchalant
having or showing a lack of interest or concern
the auditors were taken aback by his complacent response to their findings of fraud
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smug
having too high an opinion of oneself
a complacent junior exec who was certain of his indispensability to the company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complacent
Ayton said Redick has emphasized not getting complacent, and James, who has been down this road now for the 19th time, has stressed that there’s no room to get comfortable.
—
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Perhaps the Wolves get bored or complacent with the successful process and abandon it in favor of isolation.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
However, Chin-Hong urged Californians not to become complacent about the disease, as immunization rates have been gradually dipping.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The back-to-back Western Conference finalists have looked complacent at times, and Hyland has emerged from deep on the bench to give the second unit a jolt, the latest coming courtesy of 18 points in an important win in Denver on Sunday.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Perhaps the Wolves get bored or complacent with the successful process and abandon it in favor of isolation.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
However, Chin-Hong urged Californians not to become complacent about the disease, as immunization rates have been gradually dipping.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The back-to-back Western Conference finalists have looked complacent at times, and Hyland has emerged from deep on the bench to give the second unit a jolt, the latest coming courtesy of 18 points in an important win in Denver on Sunday.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
-
Jurk was rather nonchalant following the punch as Castillo lay on the floor, prompting an announcer to say the medics should be in the ring.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
-
Her nonchalant reaction and control of her emotions went viral, gathering 26 million views on YouTube.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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But the series’ central character, played by Rachel Weisz, has enough nervous, itchy, manic energy to make the show’s narrative structure feel purposely unstable rather than safely smug.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
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McDaniels, who cut through the Nuggets’ egos early in the series with fearless words and a smug grin, got the last laugh.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Now even casual drinkers seem to be on a journey of sorts—if not toward sobriety, then toward some kind of self-knowledge.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person and does not spread through casual contact or air.—
Dr. Céline Gounder,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Subsequent photos showed the proud parents smiling in the audience as their daughter walked across the stage to collect her degree, Zahra alongside her friends in their graduation regalia and a glimpse at a family celebration.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
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Paul McCartney is proud of the impact his music has on people.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
The tricky part of being a celebrity like Firstman on the internet is that some people can conflate your comedic persona (which is maybe a little arrogant, a little colorful) with your real identity.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
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Hunter is stubborn, arrogant and gifted enough to play for the Briar hockey team, yet refuses to for reasons the show has yet to reveal.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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