self-congratulation

noun

self-con·​grat·​u·​la·​tion ˌself-kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-congratulation (audio)
-ˌgra-jə-
: congratulation of oneself
especially : a complacent acknowledgment of one's own superiority or good fortune

Examples of self-congratulation in a Sentence

the air of self-congratulation that pervades the songwriter's memoirs
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Despite her long, phenomenal run of success and prestigious accolades, Detroit gospel star Twinkie Clark has never been big on self-congratulations. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024 For every bit of preening self-congratulation, there’s another moment that can knock you sideways. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 27 June 2024 Accessibility and Sustainability Eco-minded without the self-congratulation, accessibility without the retrofitted feel. Paul Jebara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2024 Advertisement Autumn also marks the beginning of awards season, a time of self-congratulation, yes, but also better movies. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024 Politics disgusts him, the cool conviviality of the club and the showy self-congratulation of the public banquet repel him; since the death of his son he’s avoided making new acquaintances. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 2 Sep. 2024 But beneath its tone of self-congratulation, this consensus account underrates the costs of prolonging the war and overrates the risk of escalation that existed in 1951. Mike Gallagher, Foreign Affairs, 26 July 2023 Maybe beneath the Davos veneer of self-congratulation and cliché there is a democratic realist plotting the renewal of American power. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 19 Jan. 2024 There’s just enough friction to give their banter some grit and take the edge of self-congratulation off these two godlike specimens. Ty Burr, Washington Post, 25 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-congratulation was in 1655

Dictionary Entries Near self-congratulation

Cite this Entry

“Self-congratulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-congratulation. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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