Definition of haughtynext
1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude the haughty waiter smirked when I remarked that it was odd that a French restaurant didn't even have french fries on the menu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective haughty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of haughty are arrogant, disdainful, insolent, lordly, overbearing, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

In what contexts can arrogant take the place of haughty?

The words arrogant and haughty can be used in similar contexts, but arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When might disdainful be a better fit than haughty?

In some situations, the words disdainful and haughty are roughly equivalent. However, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When could insolent be used to replace haughty?

While the synonyms insolent and haughty are close in meaning, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

Where would lordly be a reasonable alternative to haughty?

While in some cases nearly identical to haughty, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

When would overbearing be a good substitute for haughty?

Although the words overbearing and haughty have much in common, overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

When can proud be used instead of haughty?

The meanings of proud and haughty largely overlap; however, proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When is supercilious a more appropriate choice than haughty?

The synonyms supercilious and haughty are sometimes interchangeable, but supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of haughty Appearing in the meta pop girl mockumentary The Moment, directed by Aidan Zamiri and also starring Charli xcx (one of the Swedish actor’s favorite musicians), Skarsgård plays the haughty, just-about-doesn’t-get-it director. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2026 Wiig says, referring to the classic TV sitcom of the 1960s and ‘70s that starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha, a witch who marries a mortal man, Darrin, much to her haughty mother, Endora’s, chagrin. Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025 Indeed, these tales characterize Jesus as a rather haughty boy, conscious of his divinity and not happy with those who treat him as a mere child. Mary Dzon, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025 There’s an indulgent satisfaction to these films, most notably on display in this new trailer when Gellar literally stakes Weaving in the heart (or … the shoulder, most likely), that prevents them for tipping into a haughty self-seriousness. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haughty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haughty
Adjective
  • The history of classic Athens shows us that a Democracy can misuse its power, become arrogant and become a tyrant.
    Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Maekar refuses, earning a cutting rebuttal from Dunk about the royal upbringing that turned Daeron (Henry Ashton) into a drunken coward and Aerion into an arrogant and cruel madman.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, Jenna Ortega’s tattered Christian Cowan slip dress featured a thigh-high slit that would make Jolie proud.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Older brother Justin and sister Joi were also present and proud.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Woods kept everyone guessing — a favorite hobby of his — with one word and a smug grin last week at Riviera when he was asked if playing in the Masters was off the table.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a young Denholm Elliott makes for a delightfully smug Edgar Linton, and the underrated Angela Thornton brings to Isabella Linton a welcome sensuality.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet whenever Bunny turns away from Frank to take a call from one of his underlings about the day-to-day violence and ugliness of their industry, a somewhat disdainful look passes across Frank’s face.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Godchaux was a divisive figure among Grateful Dead devotees — many fans were frankly outright disdainful of her presence on stage.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Students are cavalier about turning AI writing in to me.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Nikola Jokic was cavalier with the ball, and the Cavaliers took advantage.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The last two Super Bowls were decided by superior defenses.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
  • In a news release last week, WBD said the Paramount offer was a superior proposal to the one offered by Netflix.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • After a scoreless first period, the defending Olympic gold medalists, too prideful to roll over, got on the scoreboard first.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The buildings that housed a prideful labor force are vandalized, colonized by squatters or boarded up.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Haughty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haughty. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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