Arrogant: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when someone has an inflated sense of their own importance and looks down on others. This word carries a negative connotation.

• He was so arrogant, always acting like he was better than everyone else.
• Her arrogant attitude made it difficult for her to make friends.

Use this word when someone is excessively proud of themselves or their abilities. It generally has a negative connotation.

• She is so conceited; she can't stop talking about how great she is.
• Being conceited often makes it hard for others to appreciate your true talents.

This word can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context. It signifies a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions, or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.

• She was proud of her son's achievements.
• He became too proud, thinking he could do no wrong, and it led to his downfall.

This word is best used when someone is disdainfully proud and shows an attitude of superiority and contempt. It also carries a negative connotation.

• Her haughty manner made everyone feel uncomfortable.
• The judge's haughty tone suggested he felt superior to the defendant.

This word describes someone who is overly confident in a slightly annoying or disrespectful way. It usually has a negative connotation.

• His cocky comments during the meeting offended many of his colleagues.
• Despite his cocky demeanor, he failed to impress the judges.

Used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities.

• He is so arrogant that he thinks he is better than everyone else.
• Her arrogant attitude makes it hard for people to work with her.

Indicates a person who believes they are better than others in some way, often used in a negative sense.

• He has a superior attitude that makes others feel small.
• People find her hard to approach because she always acts so superior.

Describes someone who behaves as if they are superior to others, often looking down on people.

• He stopped going to that club because it was full of snobbish people.
• Her snobbish remark offended everyone at the party.

Used to describe someone who is overly pleased with themselves in an annoying way.

• She had a smug smile on her face after winning the argument.
• His smug attitude makes him very unpopular.

Refers to someone who is excessively self-centered or self-important.

• He's too egotistical to consider other people's opinions.
• Her egotistical nature alienates her from her peers.