smugly

American

[smuhg-lee] / ˈsmʌg li /

adverb

in a way that is contentedly confident of one’s ability, superiority, or correctness; in a self-satisfied or complacent way.

I think I'm just as good as lots of those people who are sitting so smugly in judgment over me.

Other Word Forms

unsmugly adverb

Etymology

Origin of smugly

smug ( def. ) + -ly

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.

I think that’s because it would have complicated—or acknowledged the complication—of a story where we could smugly position ourselves as on the “right” side.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2024

Sinclair — more than a bit smugly — in the prologue to “The Lesson.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2023

I would respond smugly with a shrug, like "You can have it."

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2023

Seen before he speaks, Daniels circles the perimeter of the auditorium in silent slow-motion before stepping into the space to play a smugly dismissive Jason, or any of the other roles.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2023

“Don’t look at me,” Horsethief Shorty drawled smugly.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023