Definitions

smug

[smuhg] / smʌg /

ADJECTIVE

pleased with oneself

Synonyms

STRONGEST

complacent egotistical pompous self-righteous self-satisfied

WEAK

conceited egoistic holier-than-thou hotshot priggish puffed-up self-contented snobbish stuck on oneself stuck-up stuffy superior vainglorious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

humble

WEAK

modest unhappy unself-confident 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.

But while the Chinese may be right in their analysis, they shouldn’t be too smug about it.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

They’re insincere and elitist and out of touch and smug in many respects, from the perspective of a young man.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Volker Beck, president of the German-Israeli Society, labelled Steinmeier's comments on the war "grossly inappropriate" and said they displayed a "smug know-it-all attitude".

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

We have our share of smug, unpleasant, self-entitled locals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

I wouldn’t be able to bear the smug look on her face if I went to her for help.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing smug

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 7

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!