self-congratulatory

Definition of self-congratulatorynext

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 self-congratulatory Don’t be swayed by the self-congratulatory rhetoric. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026 His novel about the war, For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), was a piece of self-congratulatory nonsense that made millions. Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Sacrifice captures the tenor of these high-end charity events that are attended by the famous and ultra-wealthy, and have a tendency to land somewhere between tone-deaf to hopelessly self-congratulatory. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025 These are all good reasons to feel bummed out about humanity, but leave it to Lanthimos to express his dismay in the most arch and self-congratulatory way possible. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-congratulatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-congratulatory
Adjective
  • Because when volume is understood and mastered, there is no outfit that doesn’t look self-assured.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2026
  • In several episodes, viewers see participants acting decisively and self-assured in private conversations, only to show up to the roundtable and completely change their thinking.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ireland gained swagger and became a self-confident place that could show the world.
    Llewellyn King, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Research shows that only children tend to be self-confident, well-organized, and ambitious.
    Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And it could be accelerated by the continued rise of angry, resentful, self-glorifying nationalism in many countries.
    Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2022
Adjective
  • The data center race looks like a powerful force to drive more investment into the nation’s energy system, and Wall Street types are confident there’s no shortage of capital poised to pour in.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The Sabres are confident after making a remarkable turnaround from last in the East in early December to first place by going 39-9-4.
    John Wawrow, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ordinary humans like Stephen’s selfish boss are depicted as giant walking eggs, while others are proportioned like bobble heads.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Terms like gaman—spelled with the kanji 我 (ego, I, selfish, our, oneself) and 慢 (ridicule, laziness)—are proof of this, as are the kigo terms that describe the emotions of the changing seasons, like kachōfūgetsu—composed of the kanji 花 (flower), 鳥 (bird), 風 (wind), and月(moon).
    Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Critics call social media posts self-promotion While the president praised her as a fighter, critics called out her self-promoting social media use, including videos showing her in tactical gear at raids with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The characters were mostly comic, from shamelessly self-promoting wannabe pop star Scheana Shay to vain rock frontman Tom Sandoval.
    Judy Berman, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Grace is a molecular biologist by training, but his controversial ideas and overconfident attitude have kept him out of academia.
    Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The four leads are overconfident and loutish, spending their time drinking, rambling, and clumsily working through their worries about the future.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And Chapman booked the role of his wife, Stacy’s younger and most self-centered daughter Paige.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Travel ball is very self-centered.
    Eric Sondheimer Columnist Follow, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Self-congratulatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-congratulatory. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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