self-congratulatory

adjective

Definition of self-congratulatorynext
as in self-assured

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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 The first seven episodes are measured and considered, without some of the worst habits of the series in its lesser seasons and episodes (there are no quasi-dream-like states or self-congratulatory flourishes, thank goodness). — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 25 June 2026 The mood was celebratory and a bit self-congratulatory. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026 Some experts say if Kim Jong Un sought to use the congress to solidify his daughter as successor, the signals would likely be subtle, such as self-congratulatory statements about North Korea’s survival and crediting that endurance to the successful inheritance of the socialist cause. — ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 Far too modest and deeply felt to come off as self-congratulatory, Ataei and Keshavarz’s film tells the story of two women — an avant-garde theater director and an improvisational dancer — whose friendship is as unbothered by the government as their work is defined by it. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-congratulatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-congratulatory
  1. self-assured
  2. self-confident
  3. confident
  4. selfish
  5. self-promoting
  6. overconfident
  7. self-centered
  8. pretentious
Adjective
  • After a bumpy transition to college, Gilmore Girls found a new rhythm in season 5, which was just as funny and self-assured as the first three installments (if not quite as charming).
    — Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Intense and self-assured, James Blair had the president’s backing, but a major loss could set off a search for someone to blame.
    — Nancy Cook, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-assured
Adjective
  • Less self-confident nations might’ve consider that an act of war.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That you would be invited to the in-house training program in 2008 was a matter of course, after your fittingly self-confident application.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of self-confident
Adjective
  • His bold, confident display of desire stood in sharp contrast to my own insecurities and repression.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Across Europe, responsibility for retirement is shifting from governments and employers to individuals, and women are less confident than men that the state will provide.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of confident
Adjective
  • Anyone see any think pieces about how Reese is being selfish?
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The film follows an authoritarian regime who have set up a kind of survival game to choose the most selfish (and therefore best) soccer striker from 300 candidates, with the ultimate aim of winning Japan the World Cup.
    — John Bleasdale, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of selfish
Adjective
  • Social media is blamed for raising a generation of self-promoting narcissists and fuelling a precipitous decline in attention spans and intellectual engagement.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This approach fosters genuine respect, trust, and loyalty, offering a powerful alternative to today's loud, self-promoting culture.
    — Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of self-promoting
Adjective
  • The supremely overconfident Graver finally shows some remorse for the damage their dirty work has inflicted on innocent lives.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Based on recent viewership trends, the league is slightly overconfident.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of overconfident
Adjective
  • Watts was also hindering the healing process by being insensitive and self-centered, friends say.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Jordan that the audience gets to know is a bit surly and self-centered.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of self-centered
Adjective
  • But both share a simple honesty and embrace the utilitarian rather than making any pretentious claims to luxury.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Lula’s Restaurant offers breakfast and dinner in an elevated space that isn’t too pretentious for kids, while The Goodz Tavern was our go-to lunch spot.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of pretentious

Browse Nearby Words

self-congratulation
self-congratulatory
self-conscious
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Cite this Entry

“Self-congratulatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-congratulatory. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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