Smug: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is pleased with themselves and shows it, often irritatingly. It often has a negative connotation.

• He had a smug look on his face when he got the highest grade in the class

Refers to being content with oneself, sometimes without being aware of potential flaws or failures. It may or may not carry a negative tone depending on the situation.

• After finishing the project successfully, he felt self-satisfied and decided to take a day off

Describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves and is proud in an annoying or arrogant way.

• She's so conceited she thought the entire event was organized just for her

Describes someone smiling in a self-satisfied or smug way, often to show they think they are better than others or find something amusing at others' expense. Frequently has a negative implication.

• She was smirking after making a sarcastic comment about her rival

This word is often used to describe a person who is overly self-satisfied and displays an excessive feeling of superiority. It usually has a negative connotation.

• He had a smug look on his face after winning the debate.
• Her smug attitude made it difficult for others to work with her.

This term is more neutral and can be used to describe someone who is content with themselves. It does not necessarily imply arrogance but can sometimes be seen as a more objective term.

• He looked self-satisfied after completing his project on time.
• She felt self-satisfied with her achievements.

Used to describe someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves, often to the point of arrogance. This term carries a more negative connotation than 'smug' and implies a level of vanity.

• People avoid him because he is so conceited.
• Her conceited behavior turned her friends away.

Typically describes a facial expression where someone is smiling in a self-satisfied or somewhat mocking way. This term also has a negative connotation.

• She was smirking when she corrected his mistake.
• His smirking expression annoyed everyone in the room.