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Definitions

self-styled

[self-stahyld] / ˈsɛlfˈstaɪld /
ADJECTIVE
nominal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ostensible titular
STRONG
formal given puppet simple
WEAK
alleged apparent as advertised honorary in effect only in name only mentioned named pretended professed purported seeming so-called stated suggested
Antonyms
WEAK
actual important real significant true
ADJECTIVE
so-called
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alleged formal purported
WEAK
allegedly commonly named itular nominal ostensible pretended professed self-named soi-disant wrongly named

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.

Paramount President Jeff Shell agreed to exit the company after being entangled in a legal battle with a controversial Las Vegas gambler and self-styled “fixer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

The move comes as Shell faces scrutiny after his Paramount bosses hired a law firm to investigate his surreptitious dealings with Cipriani, a self-styled “fixer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

A self-styled anti-corruption crusader, Yoon rose from star prosecutor to South Korean president in just a few years.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Norway's royal family has been buffeted by a succession of scandals in recent times, including the marriage of the crown prince's sister, Princess Märtha Louise to a self-styled American shaman.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

The Lyseni was a smuggler himself, as well as a trader, a banker, a notorious pirate, and the self-styled Prince of the Narrow Sea.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin