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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of self-importance
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
People high on grandiose narcissism exhibit an inflated sense of superiority or self-importance, a lack of empathy, overconfidence, and entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
The thought was that to meet something with a laugh was the same thing as defanging it, a fearful humor inflated with American self-importance.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
The story is a grim reminder that every narcissist needs their own Echo, a loyal admirer who reinforces their delusions and self-importance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
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
People high on grandiose narcissism exhibit an inflated sense of superiority or self-importance, a lack of empathy, overconfidence, and entitlement.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
The thought was that to meet something with a laugh was the same thing as defanging it, a fearful humor inflated with American self-importance.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
The story is a grim reminder that every narcissist needs their own Echo, a loyal admirer who reinforces their delusions and self-importance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-importance
Noun
-
The lines between competitive stubbornness and plain old stubbornness, a healthy arrogance and prideful ignorance are pretty thin.—
Will Graves,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2025
-
Individuals with big egos display excessive pride in their abilities and accomplishments, often leading to arrogance and overconfidence.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
The main bedroom included a four-poster mahogany bed, a fireplace, a love seat, and a small table, while the bathroom offered dual vanities, ample closet space, and a deep soaking tub.—
Carole Dixon,
Travel + Leisure,
18 June 2025
-
Fire vanity projects and double down on core values.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
Beijing’s military capabilities already surpass India’s, and given its lower defense burden—the ratio of military expenditures to GDP—China could expand its defense spending with fewer penalties to its economic growth compared with India while further widening its military superiority.—
ASHLEY J. TELLIS,
Foreign Affairs,
17 June 2025
-
Dad, as fathers do, asserted his physical superiority.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
When egos are set aside, silos are broken, and people move as one — kids are found, hope is restored, and the system starts to change.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
-
The recent taco taunting has been a blow to his fragile ego that couldn’t go unanswered.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
Protesters have embraced the flag as a symbol of cultural pride and a repudiation of anti-immigrant policies against the backdrop of National Guard and Marines deployed to the city by President Donald Trump.—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
-
He’s got a chip on his shoulder, as the source of his pride comes from rejecting the striver’s gospel.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-importance. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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