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
But the same complacent attitude that had allowed Federal Express to survive in the early years led Emery to attempt to copy the now burgeoning upstart.
—
Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Kinnear is miscast as the detectives’ folksy, complacent boss.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025
The framework of a Democratic Tea Party remains unhelpful—but something is going on inside (and, now, outside) the Democratic National Committee, which has recently been riven by threats to primary complacent incumbents (and, now, Democrats who support going to war with Iran).
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Before President Trump came into office, America was weak and complacent in the fight against China.
—Jovante Teague, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Kinnear is miscast as the detectives’ folksy, complacent boss.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025
The framework of a Democratic Tea Party remains unhelpful—but something is going on inside (and, now, outside) the Democratic National Committee, which has recently been riven by threats to primary complacent incumbents (and, now, Democrats who support going to war with Iran).
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Before President Trump came into office, America was weak and complacent in the fight against China.
—Jovante Teague, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for complacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complacent
Adjective
-
The collection’s journey touched down in Argentina, the Scottish Highlands, as well as New Zealand and Australia, home of its merino wool, for a refined traveler’s wardrobe crafted from top-notch fabrications exuding nonchalant sophistication.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
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At half-time, as Rayan Cherki enjoyed 15 minutes of nonchalant showboating, an altogether more ferocious warm-up was taking place just across the pitch.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
For those still on Windows 10 who might be feeling rather smug at avoiding these Windows 11 issues, Windows Latest has just issued a new warning, given that its own recent updates are not faring any better.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
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His reboot has the benefit of an actor, David Corenswet, who may not have a lot of colors to work with, but whose presence is infinitely easier to take and less of a huge pile of smug than Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.—
Michael Phillips,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Guests can choose from a variety of pastries and breakfast foods, coffee and more to keep things casual, or order from their selection of cocktails and wine.—
Ramal Nasim
July 25,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
-
Popups and its popular Sunday Suppers offer another avenue for more casual dining.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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In the post, the proud single mom shared throwback photos of her with her eldest son and daughter.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
Old Fitzgerald, the once proud brand with a century-long legacy, was tossed into the Bernheim sale like an extra trading card between kids to sweeten the deal, not to headline it.—
Chris Perugini,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
As the day goes on, Jim goes from a caricature of an arrogant male director to an oddly compelling picture of a pathetic man, moved by spite toward his ex-wife, Anita.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 July 2025
-
Actor Tyler Hilton played Chris Keller, a charming but arrogant musician, on four seasons of the teen soap.—
Bryan West,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
If change doesn’t come, then my son’s death was in vain.—
Isabel Rivera,
Miami Herald,
16 July 2025
-
And even if the door slams shut and the Rays actually do end up staying in Tampa Bay, the Dreamers’ effort wasn’t in vain.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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Responding to questions from defense lawyer Teny Geragos, Jane agreed that Combs became more apologetic and attentive, less egotistical and cold.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Experts are over 14 times more likely than light users to apply AI across all three phases and are twice as confident in the quality of their output.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
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While there are some things for the Lions to overcome this season, Newton is confident in their ability to do so.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complacent. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.
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