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
The British government should not get complacent, however.
—
Ian King, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Then, the Cowboys took advantage as the Green Bay offense appeared to get complacent toward the end of the first half.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Platforms had lulled users into complacent dependency, then sealed off the exits, revealing themselves as extractive monopolies.
—Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Leaders can no longer afford to be complacent.
—Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Ian King, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Then, the Cowboys took advantage as the Green Bay offense appeared to get complacent toward the end of the first half.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Platforms had lulled users into complacent dependency, then sealed off the exits, revealing themselves as extractive monopolies.
—Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Leaders can no longer afford to be complacent.
—Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
-
Jordan Marshall isn’t nonchalant about anything.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Backing the nonchalant trio were multiple percussionists on wind chimes, congas, shakers, and more, as well as backup singers, a bassist, and an additional guitarist.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As a sleazy, lecherous publicist pinned in a Manhattan phone booth by a faceless sniper on the other end of the line, Farrell goes from smug condescension to breathless victimhood pretty effortlessly.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
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But Minnesota, with or without its unapologetically smug superstar, has been the Nuggets’ kryptonite for more than a year.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For many young women, the stiletto’s discomfort is part of the appeal, offering proof that effort and glamor remain in an age of casual sneakers.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Simple yet polished, the Anrabess Long Sleeve Midi Dress is perfect for a casual Thanksgiving feast or a fall day out on the town.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
There are certainly some top-notch barbecue restaurants that made the cut, but the Michelin selection barely scratches the surface of the South’s long, proud barbecue tradition.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
-
What’s left now is a proud elite program trying to scrape its way into bowl season.—
D’Joumbarey Moreau,
Miami Herald,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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