as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
the sense of smugness that can come with too many easy victories
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smugness
Noun
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Tiny Solar Homes The bathroom is nearby and contains a shower, vanity sink, and a flushing toilet.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
13 Mar. 2025 -
The resurgence of popular beauty looks of decades past comes at no surprise to those who grew up watching their mothers and grandmothers do their hair or paint their nails at their bathroom vanity.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Managing egos is unavoidable, but having to manage someone’s ego right from the start is not a positive indicator of things to come.—
Abdo Riani,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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But how did egos not get in the way, especially after the seasons Prince and Conner had in 2023?—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Another local chef who gets to revel in both culinary and local pride is Chef Edney Gaitor, of Café Martinique.—
Kristin L. Wolfe,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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Yet, the beach culture becomes an everyday celebration of liberation, unity, and cultural pride.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The toxic combination of Trump’s pro-Russia leanings, Vice President J. D. Vance’s arrogance and condescension, and Musk’s sad case of advanced poster’s disease have tanked America’s reputation among its traditional allies.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2025
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But jealousy and arrogance get the best of Hamilton, who insinuates himself into the defense team, believing this action will help his political and financial setbacks.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The long-term consequences of ignoring curiosity include a culture of complacency, where employees feel disengaged and hesitant to voice ideas that could lead to breakthrough innovations.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
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Loyalty can risk existing on the same coin as complacency.—
Megan Feringa,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Corporate leaders will be called upon to overcome self-satisfaction with progress made in the advancement of gender parity for women, especially those in senior and middle management.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
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Megalopolis posits a world of clueless liberal self-satisfaction, missing every point of contemporary alertness to ongoing lawfare and sedition.—
Armond White,
National Review,
4 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Smugness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smugness. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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