smugly

American  

[smuhg-lee] / ˈsmʌg li /

adverb

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• unsmugly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of smugly

smug ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

smugly

And something of a kick in the head for those feeling smugly pessimistic about the future of American education.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

It’s tough to top the superlative energy Moore shared with Asner, Valerie Harper’s wisecracking Rhoda Morgenstern and Cloris Leachman as Mary’s smugly married downstairs neighbor, Phyllis.

From Salon ● Jan. 31, 2026

The video ends with Turchin staring in confusion at his bowl, now empty, and Bass smugly swaying to the pop melody.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2024

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

“You said it, not me,” Rollo said smugly.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier