self-styled

[self-stahyld] / ˈsɛlfˈstaɪld /

ADJECTIVE

nominal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ostensible titular

STRONG

formal given puppet simple

WEAK

alleged apparent as advertised honorary in effect only in name only mentioned named pretended professed purported seeming so-called stated suggested

Antonyms

WEAK

actual important real significant true

ADJECTIVE

so-called

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleged formal purported

WEAK

allegedly commonly named itular nominal ostensible pretended professed self-named soi-disant wrongly named

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The complaint was submitted by Barry Minkow, a convicted fraudster turned self-styled whistle-blower, who gathered material for the report by pretending to be a potential investor.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Gorka’s path to the White House began in the cottage industry of self-styled terrorism experts that sprang up after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Paramount President Jeff Shell agreed to exit the company after being entangled in a legal battle with a controversial Las Vegas gambler and self-styled “fixer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Real Madrid's ruthless dismissal of Manchester City encapsulated 24 hours in which the Premier League's self-styled reputation as the best in the world suffered heavy damage.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The Lyseni was a smuggler himself, as well as a trader, a banker, a notorious pirate, and the self-styled Prince of the Narrow Sea.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

self-styled

Example Sentences

Related Words