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
  • So is the proud Iranian diaspora showing up en masse to mostly support Team Melli twice, in draws with New Zealand and Belgium.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Andres Guardado, the former Deportivo La Coruna and Real Betis midfielder, was always proud to have 20 photos of Messi and him together on the pitch.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
    — David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
    — Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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