social climber

noun

Definition of social climbernext
as in elitist

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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 social climber Set in 1969 Palm Beach, the Apple TV series follows Kristen Wiig’s Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, a spry social climber eager to infiltrate high society. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 7 Jan. 2026 In classic Brooksian fashion, this simple succession plan becomes complicated by a potential scandal involving her social climber husband (Jack Lowden), the sudden return of her womanizing father (Woody Harrelson), and, well, Ella McCay’s own stubbornly idealistic personality. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025 The House of the Dragon alum stars in The Girlfriend (under the direction of costar Robin Wright) as a scheming social climber who aims to seduce a naive trust fund heir, against his mother's wishes. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025 British star Patricia Routledge, best known for her role as social climber Hyacinth Bucket in sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, has died. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for social climber
Recent Examples of Synonyms for social climber
elitist
Noun
  • The program has not gone before Argentina’s congress, but ahead of next year’s presidential election, President Javier Milei’s opposition is already speaking out, calling the program elitist.
    — Tim Backshall, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026
  • It’s been argued that all publicity is good publicity, but the six-city tour is also testing those limits as Newsom seeks to shake off the image, fair or not, of a liberal elitist out of touch with Main Street.
    — MICHAEL R. BLOOD, Associated Press, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of elitist

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social climber
social climbers
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Cite this Entry

“Social climber.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/social%20climber. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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