smart-aleck 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of smart-alecknext
1
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred a talk show host who's known for his quick quips and smart-aleck observations on current events

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a smart-aleck reply that was met with a slap in the face

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smart aleck

2 of 2

noun

ˈsmärt-ˌa-lik How to pronounce smart aleck (audio)
variants also smart alec
as in wise guy
a person who likes to show off in a clever but annoying way some smart aleck in the audience kept shouting clever insults at the nervous speaker

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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 smart-aleck
Noun
This fuzzy, snout-nosed, smart aleck extraterrestrial whose name was Gordon Shumway crashed in the suburban garage of the Tanner family in California after escaping from the doomed planet of Melmac, which was destroyed by nuclear war. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Newton scored and so did backcourt mate Cam Spencer, that different style of smart aleck, who had 20. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2024 Perry portrayed sweet, sarcastic smart aleck Chandler Bing for 10 seasons on Friends, garnering an Emmy nomination. — EW.com, 29 Oct. 2023 In this series launch, Billingham unveils a brash — and battered — smart aleck protagonist. — Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2023 With a smart aleck’s wit and a knack for clear-eyed lyrics, the Brooklyn singer is a sympathetic narrator. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 5 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smart-aleck
  1. cute
  2. sarcastic
  3. wise guy
  4. flippant
  5. satiric
  6. acidic
Adjective
  • After Culkin penned a sweet message to Song on Instagram at the time, the actress responded by posting a cute Polaroid-style snap of the couple sharing a kiss on her own Instagram page.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There are some really cute rooftop spots in the Beverly Hills area.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of cute
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Rogen and Nanjiani manage to steal multiple scenes as the voices of the ladies’ cats Dio and GG, two sarcastic felines who are fed up with their burnout owners.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
  • This was Perez Hilton, after all, a man who had earned fame in the mid-two-thousands for his salacious, sarcastic, and often sadistic coverage of celebrity suffering.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Noun
  • The show follows Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen, two estranged half-sisters who are both struggling to get by when their wise guy dad unexpectedly kicks the bucket.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • Here’s a look at what each team in the NFC North has done in free agency, and how the wise guys in Las Vegas currently rank the division.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of wise guy
Adjective
  • Not to be flippant, but a part of Black life that is a treasure now are Tubi movies.
    — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Diet culture doesn’t care about your health The flippant comments about this parasite belie the dominant belief that weight loss is inherently about pursuing health.
    — Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of flippant
Adjective
  • Piker fell in love with Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show and Turkish satirical newspapers and cartoons.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The satirical scenes of Kris’ agent (Sarah Sherman) getting annoyed that her client can’t pitch a four-quadrant movie are hilarious while also ringing of truth.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of satiric
Adjective
  • Common culprits are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
    — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Clean granite with mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth; avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon.
    — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of acidic

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Cite this Entry

“Smart-aleck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smart-aleck. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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