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.

You can see this smug ease in Citi’s Panic/Euphoria Model External link, a gauge of sentiment now called the Levkovich Index.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

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

From Salon • May 14, 2026

When I say good, I don’t mean smug or perfect.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

No amount of calming coloring is going to get me in examdomination mode with Jonah smiling that smug smile from across the room.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing smug

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 3

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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List 7

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