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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complacent
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
To a complacent, be-cool-and-get-over-it nineties sensibility, this might have sounded like overwrought posturing.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
To a complacent, be-cool-and-get-over-it nineties sensibility, this might have sounded like overwrought posturing.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
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This approach not only simplifies your daily routine but also enhances the haircut's nonchalant vibe, quintessential to French style.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2026
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Fagen’s nonchalant cameo, though, got the Steely Dan community in a tizzy.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The test case—picturing a cow doing ballet—produces a smug bovine pirouetting.—
Elise Broach,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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My math teachers of old are very smug somewhere.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The satchel design is great for everyday use and looks great with a casual outfit like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Garner’s jean looks.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
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But Ashley and Austin, bless their hearts, would live in the throes of a careless spring, with mismatched furniture and super casual pastel curtains.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Eddie Murphy’s son Eric and Martin Lawrence’s daughter Jasmin have welcomed their first baby since marrying last June, proud grandpa Murphy revealed over the weekend.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
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The company is proud to provide a valuable recycling and renewable resource facility for Arlington, Mansfield and the Metroplex.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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To this point, the Heat arguably have been too stubborn, or too arrogant, in belief that the quick fix was just around the corner.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
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His style is relaxed and confident, not arrogant.—
Tara Klein,
SPIN,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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