self-appointed

American  

[self-uh-poin-tid] / ˈsɛlf əˈpɔɪn tɪd /

adjective

1. chosen by oneself to act in a certain capacity or to fulfill a certain function, especially pompously or self-righteously.

   a self-appointed guardian of the public's morals.

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self-appointed British  

adjective

1. having assumed authority without the agreement of others

   a self-appointed critic

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Other Word Forms

• self-appointment noun

Etymology

Origin of self-appointed

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Reese is the self-appointed defender of his family brand, a role that takes many forms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

I, the self-appointed queen of snacks, brought a plethora of goodies and drinks from my Sherman Oaks apartment.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2025

Adams, 66, is closely associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's government and has previously told BBC Sport he is a "self-appointed ambassador to Israel".

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

In 2014, Rep. George Miller of California, House Democrats’ self-appointed “lead” on the issue, sent a letter to the FBI that might read today as if ChatGPT had written it.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2025

They were self-appointed jesters in a court of fools.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee