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Definitions

self-satisfied

[self-sat-is-fahyd, self-] / ˈsɛlfˈsæt ɪsˌfaɪd, ˌsɛlf- /
ADJECTIVE
pleased with oneself
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrogant smug
WEAK
bigheaded complacent conceited content egotistic flushed full of oneself pleased proud puffed up self-congratulatory vain
Antonyms
WEAK
humble meek unsure

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.

The solid, stolid, self-satisfied Edwardian England that had seemed so deserving of his lashes was itself now wounded, and something in Galsworthy shifted accordingly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Several of the figures rest a self-satisfied hand at the apex of their bump.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

I see an accomplished power player in midlife at the peak of a highly successful TV writing career, self-satisfied and oozing with agency.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

My mind travels back to those self-satisfied film obsessives marveling at male genius, and how they would have praised both Tarantino for his commitment to artistic realism and Thurman for gamely playing along.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2023

He bounced up and down a little, smiling in a self-satisfied way, and pointed at the many glittering photograph frames on the dresser, each peopled with tiny moving occupants.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling