Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

smugness



NOUN
complacency
Synonyms














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 smugness, arrogance and hubris in this city is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

He lorded over proceedings from a stage, microphone in hand and, always, an uncrackable smugness painted on his face.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2025

Entertainment Weekly's Maureen Lee Lenker described it as "an exercise in cinematic smugness".

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

Among the upstart Skrulls, Ben-Adir conveys the cockiness of a young firebrand, peppered with the smugness of a classic thriller villain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2023

He could sense her smugness as she slithered back to his desk, and he had to bite down on the corners of his mouth to kill his laughter.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "smugness" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com