self-satisfied

adjective

ˌself-ˈsa-təs-ˌfīd How to pronounce self-satisfied (audio)
Definition of self-satisfiednext
as in smug
having too high an opinion of oneself a self-satisfied woman who thought that if she could balance two careers, everyone else should too

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-satisfied
  1. smug
  2. proud
  3. arrogant
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
  • Like a proud zookeeper showing off the rarest specimen in his collection, Corsini rarely tries the same trick twice.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
  • Minetree, born the same year as the original film, embraces Elle's optimistic and hardworking spirit, admitting initial nervousness about the iconic role but ultimately feeling proud.
    — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Odysseus is a complex character known for being brilliant and crafty, but also being somewhat of an arrogant trickster.
    — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
  • Under normal conditions, someone who’s bossy or pushy can come across as arrogant and annoying.
    — Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Definition of arrogant
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.

Browse Nearby Words

self-satisfaction
self-satisfied
self-scrutinies
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Cite this Entry

“Self-satisfied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-satisfied. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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