1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of smug
Twenty-three years of a smug, smarmy host, and a bunch of sportswriters desperate for sound bites and attention.
—
Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
There’s the divorced couple maintaining their relationship for their children; the happy and occasionally smug monogamist; the man who prefers not to commit; the woman who can’t decide.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 15 May 2025
To his critics, Jost’s smug humor felt noticeably anachronistic at a time when the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements were calling for a greater awareness of society’s deep inequalities, and for ostensibly liberal institutions to do better.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
The series has been characterized by smug antics in defeat.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smug
Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
There’s the divorced couple maintaining their relationship for their children; the happy and occasionally smug monogamist; the man who prefers not to commit; the woman who can’t decide.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 15 May 2025
To his critics, Jost’s smug humor felt noticeably anachronistic at a time when the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements were calling for a greater awareness of society’s deep inequalities, and for ostensibly liberal institutions to do better.
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025
The series has been characterized by smug antics in defeat.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smug
Adjective
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The protests proved conclusively that Americans will not tolerate the deployment of the U.S. military in American cities, the constant line-stepping over constitutional boundaries, the arrests of political dissenters, or the arrogant defense of police-state tactics.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
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In Aesop’s fable, the turtle (traditionally called a tortoise, which is a type of turtle) is a winner, a perpetual underdog who defeats the arrogant hare.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Original price: $199.99 The Bay Isle Home Cerina Boho Natural Rattan Shoe Storage Cabinet features adjustable interior shelves for storing up to 12 pairs of shoes, as well as a convenient top drawer for small essentials, helping to keep your home tidy and chic.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
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There’s even a playful nod to Jo’s creative side: one corner features a tidy workstation for writing recipes, meal planning, or just sipping coffee in peace.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Looking at her grandchildren’s interest in a Juneteenth parade, Wendy Kimble can’t help but feel proud.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
-
That one small step was just the beginning, paving the way for a succession of shorts and feature-length films that have been proud to wear their sci-fi credentials on their Space Ranger sleeves.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Proofs can vary significantly, but many cask strength bourbons land between 110 and 135 proof, delivering an intense and layered sipping experience that can be softened with a splash of water or enjoyed neat for full impact.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane Washes: 3 options Mother’s Hustler jeans flare ever so slightly at the ankles, with a raw hem that’s edgy but still neat enough to wear to work.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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The men were very egotistical in this film and no one really showed up.—
Jeff Conway,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
In the upcoming film, Oscar Isaac stars as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature (Jacob Elordi) to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Like a true luxury model, the Genesis G90 has two trim options, which revolve around engine choice.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 June 2025
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Loren, late 30s, who looked trim in a tan blazer and a flop of brown hair, began publishing fiction in La Prensa while living in Mexico City.—
Oren Peleg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Cowdrey was struck a painful blow by Somerset’s Adrian Jones the following week while trying in vain to lead Kent to the County Championship title and, brutally, his time in charge of the national team was quietly curtailed.—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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But Simmons takes his time building his flawed character, who is soft-spoken in private, vain about his appearance and unfaithful to his wife.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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This is the worst kind of football team: a conceited but objectively mediocre squad.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
The Mercury News,
17 Nov. 2024
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Rory Kinnear steals some of the best lines as the conceited British prime minister, and Ato Essandoh, as Kate’s deputy chief, plays the ever-flustered man surrounded by extremely capable women with admirable humor, charm, and confidence.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
30 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Smug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smug. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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