1
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred
you wouldn't be so smart-alecky if you were the one having the surgery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sarcastic
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
smart-alecky comments from a coworker about her new clothes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smart-alecky
Adjective
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For my family, our go-to choice is always Lake Como with its breathtaking scenery, cute villages, and some of the country’s best luxury hotels in this little part of Northern Italy.—
Michelle Tchea,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025 -
Fortunately, Amazon is having a massive sale on cute linen clothes, and prices start at just $20.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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His passion for all-things superhero has a giddy innocence to it even when his films are sarcastic or jokey.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
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Both of us were sarcastic and fun and funny, and always making jokes and pranks and just having fun with everybody on set.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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The concept: Treat pies like science projects, creating combinations with unique toppings and playful names.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
29 July 2025
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Many designs incorporate bold color accents, vibrant greens, reds, yellows, and blues by adding a playful contrast to the metals.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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The poem is part love quest, part account of Italy’s battles; in places profoundly serious, in places satiric.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
11 June 2025
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Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In oxygen-rich soil, microbes thrive, contributing to decay, and acidic pH levels erode natural materials like leather.—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
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The sharp, slightly sour sauce brought the fries back to life with an acidic, satisfying kick.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Smart-alecky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smart-alecky. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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