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
-
The failure to heed early warnings from experts like Makary and Bhattacharya—now in positions to reshape federal health policy—underscores the arrogance of it all.—
Houman Hemmati,
Oc Register,
20 July 2025
-
One of the habits of being trustworthy is being humble, so when assertiveness tips into arrogance this is a red flag for potential clients.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Those looking for more novelty to tote around this fall might enjoy the vanity cases and tidy little boxes from Hermès and Victoria Beckham.—
Madeline Fass,
Vogue,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Upstairs, the primary suite offers a tray ceiling, two walk-in closets, and a spa-like bathroom with a double vanity, a seamless glass shower, and a two-person Jacuzzi tub.—
Brendel Clark,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
His documentation has qualities of absurdism that effectively question human superiority.—
Jonathon Keats,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
These proud franchises are expected to head a two-team race for NFC East superiority.—
Geoffrey Knox,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Self-serving bias is built-in to protect your ego unfairly.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Put that duck-slayer ego to the side and don’t be afraid to ask a few questions about conditions and hazards.—
Alex Robinson,
Outdoor Life,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-importance. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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