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 are one of those feeling smug because you predicted this, did you take pleasure in the 4-0 defeat four years ago, or the 4-0 before that, or the 5-0 before that?

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

“I believe the chef has prepared a delicious pie,” the admiral replied with a smug sideways look at Penelope.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood