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Synonyms

self-satisfaction

American  
[self-sat-is-fak-shuhn] / ˈsɛlfˌsæt ɪsˈfæk ʃən /

noun

  1. a usually smug satisfaction with oneself, one's achievements, etc.


Etymology

Origin of self-satisfaction

First recorded in 1785–95

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.

See Examples For:

He’s hardly able to parry the upbraiding meted out by Mr. Giamatti’s Jean, fastidiously dressed and radiating pompous self-satisfaction.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 26, 2026

You don’t feel the need to advertise your wealth and, despite your efforts, fancy stuff doesn’t make you feel like you’re looking in a mirror at an image of your own self-satisfaction.

From MarketWatch Apr. 17, 2026

One pupil at Ysgol Stanwell in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, said there was a "sense of real self-satisfaction knowing that you've helped make a difference".

From BBC Sep. 11, 2025

But Thomson added the thought of any self-satisfaction inside the clubhouse was a stretch, especially after last season’s loss in the NL Championship Series to Arizona and the 2022 World Series loss to Houston.

From Seattle Times May 23, 2024

“It’s half of the bedsheet that was stolen from your tent this morning,” Milo explained with nervous self-satisfaction, his rusty mustache twitching rapidly.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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