SMUG Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

smug

adjective

ˈsməg

Definition of smug

as in arrogant

having too high an opinion of oneself a winner who was so smug that he lost the goodwill of the crowd

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tidy

being clean and in good order the suburb's smug lawns and tree-lined streets bespeak a comfortable affluence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 smug But the series’ central character, played by Rachel Weisz, has enough nervous, itchy, manic energy to make the show’s narrative structure feel purposely unstable rather than safely smug. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026 McDaniels, who cut through the Nuggets’ egos early in the series with fearless words and a smug grin, got the last laugh. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 May 2026 Over the past four years, criticism of this Chelsea ownership and executive regime — whether by fans or by the media — has often met with smug or defiant responses. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 My math teachers of old are very smug somewhere. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smug

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smug

Adjective

Perhaps in the arrogant belief that a war with Iran would quickly end in a decisive victory, the Pentagon did not have cost-effective systems ready to intercept these weapons.

— Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Nick Aldis’ wife Mickie James was ringside, where she was taunted by an arrogant Gunther.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

Subtraction Is Energy Strategy, Not Minimalism Subtraction gets mistaken for minimalism — fewer apps, fewer meetings, a tidier desk.

— Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
On screen, Secret Wars is a tidy way to justify a new cast and a rebooted storyline.

— Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026

Definition of tidy

Adjective

During nine years as Manchester mayor, Burnham was praised standing up to central government on behalf of a proud, battle-scarred northern city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, movements for social change and a dynamic music scene.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
As the Owens women reunite for Practical Magic 2, the two newest members of the onscreen family hope to do fans proud.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 31 July 2026

Definition of proud

Adjective

Set the scene Hellerup is an affluent seaside suburb, a 10-minute cab ride or 30-minute train ride away from the city center, filled with posh homes with neat gardens.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Progressive leaders know that the technology will continue to improve at doing the structured, repeatable work that fits into neat datasets.

— Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of neat

Adjective

They are expected to become wiser but not louder, visible but not vain, accomplished but not demanding, and well-preserved but not provocative.

— Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026
Where some may see this behavior as vain or egotistical, others may perceive it as bold, self-assured and passionate.

— Mallorie Sullivan, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Definition of vain

Adjective

The trim, tidy house appears to harmonize with the scale of other homes in the neighborhood, but actually extends far back into its lot, providing southern exposure to every interior space.

— Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Having a trim lawn can add curb appeal to your home and create the perfect space for outdoor games during the summer months.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 24 July 2026

Definition of trim

Adjective

Meanwhile, Johnson reprises his role as Moana's bantering reluctant partner, the shapeshifting trickster demigod Maui, alongside Jemaine Clement again voicing the conceited giant crustacean Tamatoa.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026
Avoid Burying Praise in Negatives To avoid making children too conceited, parents might bury praise in the midst of negatives.

— Wayne Parker, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026

Definition of conceited

Adjective

It’s dominated by a less than transparent booster, Eli James (Michael Hough), who comes with a self-important wife, Jemma (Mary Holland), and a pair of teenage twin girls who might be described as all dressed up with nowhere to go.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Self-righteous and self-important, priggish and nagging.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026

Definition of self-important

Browse Nearby Words

smudgy

smug

smuggle

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“Smug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smug. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of smug

adjective

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