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
But when onboard autonomy handles most of the work, operators can become bored, complacent, and less alert.
—
Missy Cummings, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Mar. 2026
But the government is remarkably complacent on this front.
—Sarah Jeong, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
The old order is fraying not because Europe is weak or complacent or guilelessly reliant on diplomatic institutions, but because authoritarian powers are increasingly willing to work together to forcefully reshape the world order.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
One theory is that complacent Republicans stayed at home.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Missy Cummings, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Mar. 2026
But the government is remarkably complacent on this front.
—Sarah Jeong, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
The old order is fraying not because Europe is weak or complacent or guilelessly reliant on diplomatic institutions, but because authoritarian powers are increasingly willing to work together to forcefully reshape the world order.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
One theory is that complacent Republicans stayed at home.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
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Scott inflicts Ohm’s nonchalant meanness with a piercingly perverse matter-of-factness that places the character as far away as possible from the realm of likeability.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Margot Robbie’s understanding of the assignment is evident, her fringe frame coupled with a low and loosely bound ponytail (another hallmark of the nonchalant set).—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Bateman’s Clark is comfortably semi-famous, semi-smug and also, maybe, a decent guy.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Over Your Dead Body is not for the faint of heart, but give or take a rape threat that crosses the line into smug sadism without quite seeming to realize it, the violence lands as more comically cartoonish than horrific.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
HaLani is a casual open air spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner right by the pools.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The kitchen is outfitted with top-tier appliances, dual islands, and a casual dining area, while a sumptuous primary retreat comes with dual baths, a beauty salon, and an ultra-luxe closet.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, a proud UCLA alum, recorded a video congratulating the team on its title win from one champion to another.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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Sister Linda DeCero, a proud South Philadelphia native, is full of energy and Philly sports pride.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As the sun and Jupiter clash, you’re cosmically protected, but arrogant behavior won’t get a pass.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
5 Apr. 2026
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For Iran, what counts is resistance, against arrogant and wicked oppressors, chiefly the United States and Israel.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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