smug

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.

They’re insincere and elitist and out of touch and smug in many respects, from the perspective of a young man.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Volker Beck, president of the German-Israeli Society, labelled Steinmeier's comments on the war "grossly inappropriate" and said they displayed a "smug know-it-all attitude".

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Mr. Powell, smirking and smug, tells his life story to a visiting priest who drops by his cell for a last conversation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

If you do already manage to fit in regular gym workouts, or a game of football once a week, you can stop feeling smug now.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

Shomari’s eyes lost their smug gleam as Kamau’s grip tightened.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray