Definitions

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.

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

Despite the absurdity of the whole fight, there was no bad blood as the self-styled "brothers" embraced at the end.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Kwiyup typifies a new class of self-styled entrepreneurs who might traditionally be called freelancers and side hustlers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

It is a conversation that continues to be played out between self-styled ‘serious’ composers and ‘crossover’ composers to this day.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

self-styled

Example Sentences

Related Words