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
For those still on Windows 10 who might be feeling rather smug at avoiding these Windows 11 issues, Windows Latest has just issued a new warning, given that its own recent updates are not faring any better.
—
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
While half the town is eager to see the virus controlled, the other half is convinced that their smug neighbors are using a hoax of a pandemic to control and mistreat them.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
Those who live here are smug about their proximity to the city (under a 90-minute drive with no traffic) and proud of its being less stuffy than villages to the East.
—Stephanie Krikorian, Curbed, 23 June 2025
His reboot has the benefit of an actor, David Corenswet, who may not have a lot of colors to work with, but whose presence is infinitely easier to take and less of a huge pile of smug than Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smug
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
While half the town is eager to see the virus controlled, the other half is convinced that their smug neighbors are using a hoax of a pandemic to control and mistreat them.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
Those who live here are smug about their proximity to the city (under a 90-minute drive with no traffic) and proud of its being less stuffy than villages to the East.
—Stephanie Krikorian, Curbed, 23 June 2025
His reboot has the benefit of an actor, David Corenswet, who may not have a lot of colors to work with, but whose presence is infinitely easier to take and less of a huge pile of smug than Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smug
Adjective
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But this act of arrogant bullying should also re-kindle the spirit of hope and unity that swept through this community in the aftermath of that horrible night in 2016, that still binds Orlando in its 150th anniversary year.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
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Harry Potter fans might recognize Stroma for playing the arrogant Hogwarts student named Cormac McLaggen in the film franchise.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But even if that doesn’t happen in the short term, investors won’t be too upset, as the fund yields a tidy 8.5%.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Jean-Clair Todibo was already in place and full-back Kyle Walker-Peters is tidy enough in build-up play, but neither changes how West Ham enter the box.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Next time, put your phone away, watch, and be proud.—
Janine Clements,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
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This is a proud program with a history of success, but Southern Miss has fallen on hard times, with four losing records in the last five seasons.—
Antonio Morales,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The build-up to the chance included neat touches from Bowen and Niclas Fullkrug, and West Ham’s control was greater than the 63 per cent possession statistic suggested.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
17 Aug. 2025
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Before Wintour, the magazine typically shot models from the shoulders up, their neat headshots captured within the walls of a studio and in front of solid-colored backdrops—almost never outside or on the street.—
Elizabeth Grace Coyne,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Cena gets to show off his mane of hair while playing Peacemaker, the egotistical vigilante that made his debut in 2021's Suicide Squad and now leads the acclaimed HBO Max series also starring Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, and Jennifer Holland.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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With its square neckline and contrast trim, this ribbed maxi offers a contemporary take on the classic silhouette.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Aug. 2025
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Acceleration, depending upon trim level engine type, varies from 6.7 to 7.5 seconds from 0-to-60 miles per hour.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Beforehand, Quiet tries to comfort John and reassure him that Dollface’s death won’t be in vain.—
Rafael Motamayor,
Vulture,
14 Aug. 2025
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Needless to say, all these vain, privileged, self-promoting jerks are soon going to make CW’s acquaintance, then regret it — even as vengeful Madison zeroes in on that lady’s whereabouts.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2025.
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