Definition of lordlynext
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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude one dinner guest was a little lordly about her status as a vegetarian, even asking the other diners how they could bear to eat dead animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lordly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lordly are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, insolent, overbearing, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

When is arrogant a more appropriate choice than lordly?

The synonyms arrogant and lordly are sometimes interchangeable, but arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When could disdainful be used to replace lordly?

The words disdainful and lordly can be used in similar contexts, but disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

In what contexts can haughty take the place of lordly?

While in some cases nearly identical to lordly, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When can insolent be used instead of lordly?

In some situations, the words insolent and lordly are roughly equivalent. However, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When might overbearing be a better fit than lordly?

While the synonyms overbearing and lordly are close in meaning, overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

Where would proud be a reasonable alternative to lordly?

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

too proud to take charity

When would supercilious be a good substitute for lordly?

The words supercilious and lordly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lordly But the cruelty and callousness of the lordly class infuses it all. Ky Henderson, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2024 The surge ended in the World Series, the lordly Yankees winning in six games, but Mays was on his way and Durocher gave him full credit. Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024 The portrait of Markram that ultimately emerges is of a lordly sovereign stalking the halls of an island mansion, an autumn of the scientific patriarch. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2022 What comes next is a showdown between her force and his financial clout, between labor and the lordly class. Amy Nicholson, Variety, 11 Sep. 2022 From 1958 to 1961, sulking Giants and Dodgers fans had to put up with the lordly Yankees winning three pennants and two World Series. New York Times, 23 Mar. 2022 The lordly African lion in his zoo grotto will cast a sentimental glance at his shaggy mate. San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2022 Player for player Atlanta shouldn’t be scaring the lordly Dodgers like this. Ray Glier, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lordly
Adjective
  • As Molloy gradually succeeds in puncturing Lestat’s aloof, arrogant outer shell, his sound correspondingly shifts from assaultive punk to more contemplative ballads.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026
  • But Lobo isn't some mindless arrogant hulk out to impose his indomitable will.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Colombia of 1994 is not Colombia of 2026, a safer country, a happier country, a more united country, a prouder country.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • The quality of your trip can set a tone for the next part of your day and can shift the experience of commuting to something of which to be proud in our city.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Among noble palaces, Baroque villas and historic hotels overlooking the sea, the island has become a natural set for exclusive events with a strong media impact.
    Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 6 June 2026
  • Refusing to play politics doesn’t make a leader more noble or ethical.
    Harrison Monarth, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Food Processor quickly chops, slices, and shreds a wide array of ingredients for unlimited culinary creations, while the Coffee & Spice Grinder efficiently grinds coffee beans, spices, and herbs for superior flavor and potency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • And that’s a result of of there being a touch of a commercial food emulsifier in the drink called xantham gum, which holds the ice and liquid together for superior consistency.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Many of Furgeson’s subjects were displeased by his haughty musings, which would seem less out of place if he was garbed in a royal mantle and wielding a golden scepter.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 4 June 2026
  • One widespread subspecies endemic to the area is the haughty Cardinal, recognized by its bright-red plumage and smugness about winning a dozen National League Central crowns.
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Newsom has since pointed to this high state funding to call on the federal government to step up its own investments into forest management work.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • The second highest waste generator that year, Tesla’s plant in Fremont, produced 115,136 pounds of MMA waste, by comparison, records show.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Nuggets were particularly cavalier with second-rounders in the 2024 offseason, which turned out to be Booth’s last at the helm.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
  • The testimony consistently deployed a cavalier attitude about money.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Most smug articles and books that claim to provide quick fixes come off as tone-deaf or even counterproductive.
    Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026
  • But the series’ central character, played by Rachel Weisz, has enough nervous, itchy, manic energy to make the show’s narrative structure feel purposely unstable rather than safely smug.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lordly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lordly. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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