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as in triumphant
having or expressing feelings of joy or triumph in his acceptance letter he assured his soon-to-be boss that he was proud to be joining such a fine company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective proud differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proud are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, insolent, lordly, overbearing, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When could arrogant be used to replace proud?

The meanings of arrogant and proud largely overlap; however, arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

Where would disdainful be a reasonable alternative to proud?

The words disdainful and proud are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When would haughty be a good substitute for proud?

While the synonyms haughty and proud are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When might insolent be a better fit than proud?

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

ignored by an insolent waiter

When can lordly be used instead of proud?

Although the words lordly and proud have much in common, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

In what contexts can overbearing take the place of proud?

The synonyms overbearing and proud are sometimes interchangeable, but overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

When is it sensible to use supercilious instead of proud?

The words supercilious and proud can be used in similar contexts, 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 proud Earlier this month, the proud mom shared a post on Instagram which featured several candid pictures of Jack getting in the mood for Halloween. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 Knocking down two of the current best teams in the NFL is something to be proud about and something that could point to the Falcons being a playoff-caliber team. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 The Trevor Project is proud to honor her incredible impact, especially at a time when LGBTQ+ young people are being stripped of life-saving resources. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Bennet’s ouster was a low moment for a once-proud institution. Debra J. Saunders, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proud
Adjective
  • Jackson returns as Wes Bryant, a handsome, intelligent, but arrogant man who had just moved to Seattle and was revealed to be a new medical intern at Grey Sloan.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Jack Cutmore-Scott as Julius Beaufort, an arrogant new money banker at the center of New York society with an interest in Ellen.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, Ralph has a smug attitude when talking to Brad.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Colum’s smug assurance that the wedding will happen soon is rocked when Ned shows up with news of the Grants’ suspicions about the raid.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Next on Skyscanner’s list of trending destinations, with searches up 107 percent year-over-year is Jaipur, India’s magnificent Pink City.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, this is aided by the magnificent work of cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who partnered with GDT on his Best Picture-winning .
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As Outfest makes its triumphant return with a four-day screening event in partnership with HBO Max, the LGBTQ+ film festival has revealed the first titles in its lineup.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The album is a triumphant release that balances anger and grief and, at times, surprising joy, with Estrada’s bright, lilting soprano piercing through the veil of her pain.
    Cat Cardenas, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Talking about the huddle, one of his teammates just walked off the field inexplicably (Governor Kugler) taking early retirement and two others (Waller and Bowman) are openly disdainful of his play calling.
    Bob Haber, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • For decades, the Academy seemed to keep Cruise at a vaguely disdainful distance, dismissing him as more of an action figure than a serious ack-TOOR.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • While the jury is out on the exact cause of Harry Potter’s enduring popularity, Beach and Willner highlight an important point in its favor.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Brandon Elliott, aka Mullet Review, who's known around the Queen City for his mom-and-pop restaurant reviews, goofy T-shirts, and glorious blond locks, recently won the 2025 USA Adult Mullet Championship.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the most successful 100-meter sprinters in history, was also in attendance, and Serena Williams crowned her with a glorious headpiece from Tiffany’s, too.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Raina is ecstatic at the news that Sergius has impulsively led a cavalry charge that resulted in heavy losses on his side.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Whether ecstatic or vitriolic, the attention the book garnered was unprecedented.
    Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proud. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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