high-hat 1 of 3

1
2
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude several high-hat society types arrived after we did, but they got seated first

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

high-hat

2 of 3

verb

high hat

3 of 3

noun

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 high hat
Adjective
Instead of high hats, use wall washers, which bounce light off the walls and space. Adam Shell, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025 Going high hat just did not fit, and on Sept. 9, 1927, the Bernheimer flags came down. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2022 Deja stifled a yawn and cranked up her music; the warring bass and high hat thrummed in her chest and kept her mostly awake. Brittany N. Williams, NOLA.com, 26 Oct. 2020 The song -- a frenetic trap banger built from buzzy synths and high hat -- debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 on March 2, 2013, the same week Billboard started factoring YouTube streaming data into the chart's methodology. Katie Bain, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2019 Here comes one now, rattling catastrophically, like Max Roach whaling on the high hat. Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 18 Nov. 2019
Verb
Over the last few years, a bevy of high-hat hotels have begun competing for the Big Apple’s best guests. Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025 For the opening scene, in which a couple makes out in a car, singer Stuart A. Staples croons the title track, with some café jazz accompaniment: Bass, piano, and lightly tapped high-hat. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024 The bass, high-hat, guitar, and vocals all remain distinct in this busy mix and benefit from strong detail when the track fully kicks in. PCMAG, 10 July 2024 As the drummer counted in on his high-hat my mind went blank: not just on how to play the song, but how to play guitar, how to stay standing, how to blink, breathe, and stay conscious. Chris Fleming, SPIN, 4 Apr. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high hat
Adjective
  • In The Pink Panther, Cardinale starred as the wealthy Princess Dala, whose priceless diamond becomes the target of an aristocratic jewel thief played by David Niven.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond that, people found the Mitfords’ very, very aristocratic accent extremely annoying.
    Mimi Pond, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jean stepped out as Nia approached—lean and arrogant, a cigarette pinched between her lips.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Gil, her nemesis, is hot, arrogant and unfortunately extremely kissable.
    Audrey Goldberg Ruoff, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kleinfeld disdains the concept of work-life separation.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Even Netflix’s content factory is now licensing the very YouTube creators whom audiences once disdained as amateurs.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Ever since graphene was first isolated, scientists have been exploring similar ultra-thin crystals for their unusual properties.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Finally, after a holding penalty on Ross erased Morris’ apparent 8-yard touchdown run, Kitchings dialed up a wheel route that isolated running back Xavier Brown on linebacker Elijah Herring.
    David Teel, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The tour operator provides a hard hat, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and a headlamp for each participant, but be sure to wear sturdy lace-up boots and long sleeves and pants.
    Nicholas DeRenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Jo Brand squashes one of hers, David Baddiel tries to eat his, while Rose Matafeo and Ed Gamble rip theirs to shreds and Katy Wix overestimates the naturalism of holding a hard hat under one arm for an extended period of time.
    Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, SSGNs are capable of directly supporting Combatant Commander's strike and Special Operation Forces (SOF) requirements.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The company is building industrial-grade robotic platforms that are commercializing NASA’s robotic hand IP to deliver superior dexterity for skilled jobs.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your husband overreacted and disrespected you, slapping food and mocking you.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Even though many media members and fans have disrespected him by calling him a game manager, Hurts has continued to make plays.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When your sugar mixture reaches 230°F, begin beating your egg whites to firm peak stage; egg whites will hold their shape but not quite to stiff peak stage.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Symptoms progress to stiff neck and seizures, as well as cognitive symptoms, like confusion and hallucinations.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“High hat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high%20hat. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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