self-flattering

adjective

Definition of self-flatteringnext
as in narcissistic

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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-flattering Might there be a hint of something vain, or self-flattering in that charm? — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 Sugimoto’s ecoformalism consists in challenging this self-flattering intuition. — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025 Convert a self-flattering remark into a mixture of both humility-based and complaint-based. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 The notion that history is a story of progress is another self-flattering illusion. — Helena Rosenblatt, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-flattering
  1. narcissistic
  2. egocentric
  3. hubristic
  4. conceited
  5. egotistic
  6. smug
  7. egoistic
  8. complacent
Adjective
  • A step in the right direction for getting past this would be to remind yourself that your mother is mentally ill and narcissistic.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
  • Trained as a solicitor 26 years ago, Amrit has built a parallel practice supporting victims of narcissistic abuse, coercive control and violence against women and young girls.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of narcissistic
Adjective
  • This preemptive caretaking also prevents people from growing out of egocentric thinking.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • It is used in systems like EgoMimic and EMMA to train manipulation policies from egocentric human data.
    — Rushil Agarwal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of egocentric
Adjective
  • His endurance as an affable leading man, capable of keeping the audience on the side of a textually hubristic war general, is likely to at least earn him a third Best Actor nomination.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • By chance, Rhaena arrives at the Gullet on dragonback just in time to make the same hubristic mistake as her sister and her cousin, all suffering from the delusion that the war needs them.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of hubristic
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Johnson reprises his role as Moana's bantering reluctant partner, the shapeshifting trickster demigod Maui, alongside Jemaine Clement again voicing the conceited giant crustacean Tamatoa.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026
  • Avoid Burying Praise in Negatives To avoid making children too conceited, parents might bury praise in the midst of negatives.
    — Wayne Parker, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
Definition of conceited
Adjective
  • Where some may see this behavior as vain or egotistical, others may perceive it as bold, self-assured and passionate.
    — Mallorie Sullivan, USA Today, 20 July 2026
  • Éanna Hardwicke, meanwhile, is similarly impressive as the hothead whose national pride manifests itself in the most egotistical ways.
    — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of egotistic
Adjective
  • Historian Sandgruber describes how Alois Hitler wrote his 1895 letters in a deeply smug, anti-clerical manner that overestimated his abilities.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
  • Li at times plays Cola with a smug impetuousness that belies her naivety about this world to a satisfying degree.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026
Definition of smug
Adjective
  • Three hundred high school players gather at a remote facility to compete in ruthless trials where only one will emerge as the world’s greatest and most egoistic striker.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of egoistic
Adjective
  • For years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, people largely appeared complacent about the fighting.
    — Dasha Litvinova, Fortune, 24 July 2026
  • Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, people largely appeared complacent about the fighting.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of complacent

Browse Nearby Words

self-flagellation
self-flattering
self-forgetful
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Cite this Entry

“Self-flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-flattering. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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