smart aleck

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.

He’s a pint-sized smart aleck who cares deeply for Dunk.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

In real life, however, Mr. Jaffee was the opposite of a smart aleck: a genteel, unassuming man whose in-person humor was delivered with a wink, not a cudgel.

From New York Times • Apr. 10, 2023

OK, a smart aleck would say that’s a low bar.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2019

She’s still a downbeat smart aleck, but she can make you cry without appearing to do very much.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2018

He was just being a smart aleck and Father and I didn’t answer him.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver