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
The show brought blockbuster buzz for its first season from the start and the Emmys ate it up, whether because of Hollywood’s love for stories about itself (with A-list guest stars) or the television industry’s love for stories that mock the self-importance of movie people.
—
Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2025
We’d sometimes get threatened, and that only inflated our self-importance.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
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
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
Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2025
We’d sometimes get threatened, and that only inflated our self-importance.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-importance
Noun
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Blenkin told Variety in September 2025 that his character's laughter comes from arrogance.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
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Nishijima brings his characteristic intensity to Kenji, a man whose academic arrogance masks deep insecurity and desperation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Upstairs, the home boasts four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, including the primary bedroom and bathroom with double vanities, a soaking tub and large shower.—
Molly Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Sep. 2025
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Moreover, sports teams are the ultimate vanity asset – something billionaires love to own without too much concern about possible operating losses (which likely just offset taxable gains elsewhere).—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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With over 600 DEXs now operating according to Grvt’s estimates, pure technological superiority or lower fees no longer guarantee success.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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Not to mention the moral superiority gap it’s widened in conversations between the thin and the not thin enough.—
Allison Lax,
Glamour,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This wasn’t a choice that should have been left to an individual’s ego, an individual’s ambition.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Sep. 2025
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Loners avoid prison politics — the gossip, the egos, the tests of toughness.—
John J. Lennon,
Rolling Stone,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Head coach Bryan Pinabell said that the Spartans were a big challenge, but claiming the road victory was something his team took pride in.—
Erik Anderson,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
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Attendees will have an opportunity to connect with local pride organizations from across Orange County in the Pride City segment.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-importance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-importance. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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