1
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
the boxer's flamboyant self-importance often made for a colorful prefight press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
her overbearing self-importance has given her a sense of entitlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-importance
Late-night show hosts now have an attitude of self-importance, congratulating themselves for their work.
—
Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Audiences today crave brands that prioritize substance over self-importance, and complexity and contradiction can be the very foundation of authenticity and connection.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Those most skeptical of climate change scored higher on scales associated with narcissism (self-importance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), and psychopathy (callousness).
—Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Lilian wondered if she and her husband, even in this new, plain life, were marked in some way, then laughed at her self-importance.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
In Roman Catholic traditions, some theologians consider pride — or the idea of unchecked self-importance or arrogance — the original and most serious sin.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025
This is a marvelous role for Skarsgard, who gets to play up Gustav’s self-importance and lack of accountability along with his flirtatious charm as the movie progresses.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Reckoning commits is buying into its own self-importance.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2025
Stepping away from self-importance and vanity could be challenging, so solidifying friendships and partnerships is the best way to handle the New Moon.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 24 Apr. 2025
Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Audiences today crave brands that prioritize substance over self-importance, and complexity and contradiction can be the very foundation of authenticity and connection.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Those most skeptical of climate change scored higher on scales associated with narcissism (self-importance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), and psychopathy (callousness).
—Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Lilian wondered if she and her husband, even in this new, plain life, were marked in some way, then laughed at her self-importance.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
In Roman Catholic traditions, some theologians consider pride — or the idea of unchecked self-importance or arrogance — the original and most serious sin.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025
This is a marvelous role for Skarsgard, who gets to play up Gustav’s self-importance and lack of accountability along with his flirtatious charm as the movie progresses.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Reckoning commits is buying into its own self-importance.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2025
Stepping away from self-importance and vanity could be challenging, so solidifying friendships and partnerships is the best way to handle the New Moon.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 24 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-importance
Noun
-
And still, most new brands enter with a kind of hopeful arrogance, as if a good idea and some nice branding are enough to push past gravity.—
Joel Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
There’s a certain kind of arrogance that doesn’t yell or pound its chest.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Allocate your capital with clarity; don’t overspend on vanity or under-invest in traction.—
Swami Kakarla,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
That there is impotence and cancer and infidelity and vanity and loss.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Like so many peddling some version of righteous superiority.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Perhaps Robins should take a step back, let go of her sense of superiority, and try to understand that people are leaving the Democratic Party because they are actually informed.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But times have changed, and this team of buffoons is forced to grapple with changing industry ethics and sensationalist journalism in its transition, all while Ron faces an identity crisis that challenges his bravado, his massive ego.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
In the episode, scenes at the White House show a long line of guests, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, lining up to meet with Trump and inflate his ego by presenting him with a gift, heaping him with over-the-top praise, and reassuring him about his physical endowment.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Long-time spots thanked their customers and strode into the sunset with more than a little pride, knowing that 10 years or more is an eternity in restaurant terms.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Exceptional Restaurants from Culinary Icons Peerless gastronomy is a cornerstone of Italian culture–a perennial point of pride that Forte Village champions with one of the most dynamic and diverse culinary landscapes in luxury hospitality.—
Alexandra Kirkman,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-importance. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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