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as in triumphant
having or expressing feelings of joy or triumph in his acceptance letter he assured his soon-to-be boss that he was proud to be joining such a fine company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a proud nation
a noble nation
a boastful nation
a mighty nation
a glorious nation
a magnificent nation
a proud owner
a pleased owner
an enthusiastic owner
an elated owner
a satisfied owner
a delighted owner
a proud moment
a glorious moment
a special moment
an awesome moment
a happy moment
an amazing moment

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective proud differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of proud are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, insolent, lordly, overbearing, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When could arrogant be used to replace proud?

The meanings of arrogant and proud largely overlap; however, arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

Where would disdainful be a reasonable alternative to proud?

The words disdainful and proud are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When would haughty be a good substitute for proud?

While the synonyms haughty and proud are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When might insolent be a better fit than proud?

In some situations, the words insolent and proud are roughly equivalent. However, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When can lordly be used instead of proud?

Although the words lordly and proud have much in common, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

In what contexts can overbearing take the place of proud?

The synonyms overbearing and proud are sometimes interchangeable, but overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

When is it sensible to use supercilious instead of proud?

The words supercilious and proud can be used in similar contexts, but supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of proud So for him, super proud of him and for him first and foremost. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025 In her acceptance speech, Saldaña said her grandmother, who came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1961, would be proud of her win. Annie Aguiar, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2025 Related Stories The 2025 Oscars Parties & Events Photos: Netflix, Searchlight, Elton John, Governors Ball & More Vanity Fair Oscar Party Photos: The Best Looks From The Viewing Party & Red Carpet The Madison clan is undoubtedly proud of Mikey. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025 But the career stands proud, no question, and it was clearly defined. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proud
Adjective
  • The actor has one daughter with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and has been dating his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014. 05 of 09 John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad The actor behind the arrogant Lord Farquaad boasts an impressive career that began decades before Shrek came out in 2001.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Many members of its board appeared arrogant in the face of questions from the prosecutor or one of the lawyers.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Duttons are just barely scraping by, the smug evil-doer is enjoying a warm bath in his mansion.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In Cairo, the Sphinx, the Giza Pyramids and the magnificent Pyramid of Cheops beckon.
    Rona Berg, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Playing for Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Karlsson was magnificent in all three of his appearances.
    Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Coming off his triumphant World Series and celebratory offseason, this moment was a more appropriate snapshot of the reality Freeman has faced this spring.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Imamura’s dreamy, ethereal imagery amplifies Tolin’s triumphant text – infused with feminism and passion for art, love, and peace – and underscores Ono’s enduring impact on the global art world.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • President-Elect Donald Trump is openly disdainful of many governments in Europe and seems willing to walk away from America’s role as the continent’s protector.
    Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Now, the norms for AI will emerge in a political and cultural environment that's hostile to regulation and disdainful of limits.
    Scott Rosenberg, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This historical pattern prompts an important question: could Deere’s current $500 share price potentially fall below $350 if similar market conditions recur?
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tonight’s column marks the glorious return of Lady Gaga, who is pulling double duty as host and musical guest.
    Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The showcase also marked the glorious return of pro wrestler Jade Cargill, who had been absent from WWE TV since she was attacked backstage on Friday Night SmackDown in November.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Considering the way the Hornets (14-44) fared in the three outings leading into their date with the Mavericks, Lee was probably downright ecstatic.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Rodriguez said her team got impatient but was ecstatic to see Funez deliver the winner.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proud. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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