Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

smugness



NOUN
complacency
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.

See Examples For:

The smugness, arrogance and hubris in this city is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

From MarketWatch May 15, 2026

That will also have contained a large dose of smugness towards the Leeds fans, who had been throwing insults towards him during the game, according to the Spaniard.

From BBC Feb. 28, 2026

He lorded over proceedings from a stage, microphone in hand and, always, an uncrackable smugness painted on his face.

From Slate Sep. 10, 2025

Among the upstart Skrulls, Ben-Adir conveys the cockiness of a young firebrand, peppered with the smugness of a classic thriller villain.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 20, 2023

He could sense her smugness as she slithered back to his desk, and he had to bite down on the corners of his mouth to kill his laughter.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training