smug

adjective

ˈsməg How to pronounce smug (audio)
Definition of smugnext
1
as in arrogant
having too high an opinion of oneself a winner who was so smug that he lost the goodwill of the crowd

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tidy
being clean and in good order the suburb's smug lawns and tree-lined streets bespeak a comfortable affluence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 smug Despite fertile premises, these films come off more smug than revelatory. — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025 No one had any right to expect much of this new Ocean’s Eleven, which on paper looked like a smug cavalcade of Hollywood royalty slumming their way through an ultra-stylish crime caper. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 And for those with smug grins outside the U.S. who still assume nothing changes — don’t be so sure. — Zak Doffman, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 On Vanderpump Rules, this man was smug, pathetic, punchable. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smug
  1. arrogant
  2. tidy
  3. proud
  4. neat
  5. egotistical
  6. trim
  7. vain
  8. conceited
Adjective
  • According to Packer, several surefire ways to ensure success start here: Be arrogant!
    — Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In 1254, King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile were married at a very young age, and although Edward had a reputation for being arrogant and quarrelsome, the pair eventually fell deeply in love.
    — Gulnaz Khan, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • But for households short on space, a bed that shares the same tidy footprint as a standard crib (and makes use of the same mattress and sheets) can be a godsend.
    — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Occasionally there are only 10 spare minutes in a day for cleaning. Luckily, according to our cleaning experts, that is more than enough time to make a visible dent in the chaos and help keep your home tidy.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025
Definition of tidy
Adjective
  • As proud Illinoisans, we were honored to showcase to our Washington colleagues what Midwest sensibility can achieve, and our visits to Project HOOD and Pacific Garden served as a reminder to us all how our civic duty affects real individuals and families.
    — Danny K. Davis, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
  • His proud display of his mug shot is just the latest example of his disregard for political norms.
    — Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Twist in a neat midi knot or pin in a looser twist for a personalized style.
    — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025
  • But the neatest summation is probably that Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen are returning to their natural places in the Bundesliga.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • There’s no egotistical rock star bullsh**t going on here.
    — Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • This was my chance to not be an actor, not have that stink of being an actor, that egotistical, show-off, controlling, making choices, being clever part of being an actor.
    — Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of egotistical
Adjective
  • Her daughter, 33, also wore a look from the McQueen spring/summer 2025 collection, featuring a black vest with white pleated chiffon trim.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Her eyewear was usually cushioned by her coiffed blonde hair; her beauty aesthetic built intentionally around ‘notes on bangs’: From side-swept to feathery wisps, thick curtains, and a pixie fringed trim.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025
Definition of trim
Adjective
  • Their sacrifices remind us that doing what is right is never in vain, even when the path forward is unclear.
    — Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025
  • But then the Reds discover humanity already reached the surface generations ago and that their work has been in vain, only to be kept under the thumb of the ruling class.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of vain
Adjective
  • This is the worst kind of football team: a conceited but objectively mediocre squad.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2024
  • Rory Kinnear steals some of the best lines as the conceited British prime minister, and Ato Essandoh, as Kate’s deputy chief, plays the ever-flustered man surrounded by extremely capable women with admirable humor, charm, and confidence.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024
Definition of conceited

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“Smug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smug. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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