smarty-pants 1 of 2

Definition of smarty-pantsnext

smarty-pants

2 of 2

plural noun

as in smarty
a person who likes to show off in a clever but annoying way I don't need to hear from some smarty-pants second-guesser that the theme for the party is all wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 smarty-pants
Plural noun
Rolling off the bed in a silicon sleep cocoon, Grace gradually evolves from a wriggling larval stage into a fully upright, walking and talking smarty-pants. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Eventually, the game builds to its own metafictional deconstruction, albeit in a way that lands as an emotional gut punch rather than smarty-pants twist. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarty-pants
Adjective
  • Team them with a blouse and supportive flats for a cute vacation outfit.
    Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • Sugar tries to escape the violent path before him by going on a cute movie date with Charlotte.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • But in recent years the American male seems to have fully embraced white (and off-white) denim, recognizing its versatility as a slightly smarter alternative to the blue jean, and a more casual substitute for chinos.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
  • Another key segment is military and defense uniforms that feature smart camouflage, heat regulation and real-time vital monitoring for soldiers in rugged environments.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smarty-pants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarty-pants. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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