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smart-aleck

[smahrt al-ik] / ˈsmɑrt ˌæl ɪk /
NOUN
wise guy
Synonyms


smart aleck
NOUN
person making wise remarks
Synonyms


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.

He’s a pint-sized smart aleck who cares deeply for Dunk.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

I’m a kid that grew up in Hollywood, and I went to Baghdad wearing a Metallica shirt and I was a total smart aleck.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2025

She is an outraged activist, a smart aleck, an angsty dreamer of a girl.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2023

The puppet replied, “Eddie, how long have you been on the air?” — leading Sullivan to retort, “Topo, nobody likes a smart aleck mouse.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 10, 2019

And if you tell ’em you knew a witty boy, you gotta tell ’em he was kind of a smart aleck, though, or a wise guy.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger




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