as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
the vainglory that nations have historically shown after they have achieved military supremacy
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Recent Examples of vainglory
In Kenny’s mind, the placement was a jab at his old rival’s vainglory: the ultimate satire.
—
Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 2 May 2026
The conceit is saved from vainglory by the gravity Cage brings to the performance.
—Isaac Butler, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2023
That’s the mantra for wide receivers, a group long known for their vainglory.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2023
Cuevas excels at spotlighting vainglory, and there’s plenty to go around here.
—Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2023
For all his vainglory, Mitchell was onto something in betting on a race as an aeronautical showcase.
—Michael O’Donnell, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022
The best reason to pursue anarchism, to walk that line between chaos and the man, is that none of us is free from greed or vainglory.
—Alan Jacobs, Harper’s Magazine , 9 Nov. 2022
Behind closed doors, people are nervously voicing that the annual grandstanding on stage has shifted too much towards vainglory, rather than progress against staggering challenges.
—Charles Beames, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021
Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 2 May 2026
The conceit is saved from vainglory by the gravity Cage brings to the performance.
—Isaac Butler, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2023
That’s the mantra for wide receivers, a group long known for their vainglory.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2023
Cuevas excels at spotlighting vainglory, and there’s plenty to go around here.
—Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2023
For all his vainglory, Mitchell was onto something in betting on a race as an aeronautical showcase.
—Michael O’Donnell, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022
The best reason to pursue anarchism, to walk that line between chaos and the man, is that none of us is free from greed or vainglory.
—Alan Jacobs, Harper’s Magazine , 9 Nov. 2022
Behind closed doors, people are nervously voicing that the annual grandstanding on stage has shifted too much towards vainglory, rather than progress against staggering challenges.
—Charles Beames, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vainglory
Noun
-
Moradillo sofas, Ethnicraft oak furniture, Inbani vanities, Catalano fixtures and handwoven rugs bring European polish to a distinctly Bahamian setting.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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An extended chapter of Hector on a shoot in Argentina could stand by itself as a wonderful short story about male ego, vanity, desire and loyalty.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Noun
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By catering to his ego, international leaders can persuade Washington to forget—or at least to ignore—past tensions.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
3 June 2026
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Out of this evolutionary necessity, new ways of leading are emerging based on the consciousness of a connected self, that both embraces the ego and puts it in service of a bigger picture, a higher calling.—
Ginny Whitelaw,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Fans can expect this and more on her next release, and all pride aside— a B-sides version of her major label debut, with all due respect.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
3 June 2026
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Chef Sisca’s personal pride is the classic French omelette, served traditionally with asparagus, French feta, chive and pommes frites or salad.—
Jillian Dara,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
That confidence isn’t arrogance.—
Datwon Thomas,
VIBE.com,
6 June 2026
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As the subtitle promises, their answers are shared with all the vulgarity, pettiness, and arrogance intact.—
Juliet Izon,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vainglory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vainglory. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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