arrogant

[ar-uh-guhnt]

adjective

1. making claims or pretensions to superior importance or rights; overbearingly assuming; insolently proud.

   an arrogant public official.

   Synonyms: brazen, imperious, haughty, presumptuous
   Antonyms: meek

2. characterized by or proceeding from arrogance, or a sense of superiority, self-importance, or entitlement.

   arrogant claims.

   Antonyms: humble, modest

arrogant

/ ˈærəɡənt /

adjective

1. having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance, merit, ability, etc; conceited; overbearingly proud

   an arrogant teacher

   an arrogant assumption

Other Word Forms

• arrogantly adverb
• arrogance noun
• superarrogant adjective
• superarrogantly adverb
• unarrogant adjective
• unarrogantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrogant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin arrogant-, stem of arrogāns ) “presuming,” present participle of arrogāre; arrogate, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrogant¹

C14: from Latin arrogāre to claim as one's own; see _arrogate

Synonym Study

See proud.

Example Sentences

In the aftermath, England was slammed as "brainless" and even "arrogant" by former greats for their meek performance after putting themselves in a strong position to win.

Read more on Barron's

"We cannot be arrogant. If we don't prepare properly, we know what happens. We have to start with intensity, stay within our standards, and give everything."

Read more on Barron's

The West Australian newspaper harangued England through Perth airport, called them crybabys, arrogant and cocky.

Read more on BBC

He was a genius who said many stupid things; an arrogant man who was nonetheless full of self-doubt; a savage critic of others and an even harsher one of himself.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Everything in Genna’s ecosystem treats Dek as potential food, testing his skills and his species’ arrogant assumption of their physical and technological superiority.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• aloof 
• bossy 
• cavalier 
• cocky 
• haughty 
• imperious 
• pompous 
• presumptuous 
• pretentious 
• smug 
• vain