as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
the sense of smugness that can come with too many easy victories
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smugness
Noun
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That has real implications for brand deals and CPM negotiations — but risks creating a new layer of noise and vanity metrics in the creator economy.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025 -
Although technology is a ubiquitous part of this production, the piece has practically nothing to say about it, other than acknowledging its mere existence — technology is related to vanity, and a front-facing selfie camera is like a mirror.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Consider: One of the key reasons Salke was hired away from NBC seven years ago was because she was known as a talent-friendly exec who knew how to massage the egos of the writers, actors, and producers who keep Hollywood running.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2025
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Of course, there are cases where a healthy ego is necessary.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
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Listen to this article GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Todd Golden doesn’t talk much about his Jewish faith, but takes tremendous pride in his heritage.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Most are due to unnecessary escalation, creating disengagement, authoritative behaviors, arrogance and ego.—
Joao Mendes-Roter,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Musk’s casual Friday attire just shows his arrogance and disrespect for American government.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That complacency evaporated as of April 2, when Trump unveiled a tariff regime that was much harsher than anyone expected.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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All season long, he’s been vocal about combating complacency.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Just as there’s no dramatic build-up to Maria landing the part, there’s no romance to the process of acting it, nor the slightest whiff of self-satisfaction in recreating iconic scenes.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
21 Mar. 2025
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Corporate leaders will be called upon to overcome self-satisfaction with progress made in the advancement of gender parity for women, especially those in senior and middle management.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Smugness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smugness. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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