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

Derived Forms

• unsmugly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of smugly

smug ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In response, Trump smugly quipped, “That makes me smart.”

From Salon • May 25, 2026

In the sequel panel, the tables have turned: The same guy is chained in a postapocalyptic hellscape while the woman lounges happily with her robot overlord, smugly nibbling chocolates.

From Slate • Aug. 31, 2025

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

Or smugly apologizing about ruining the NFL’s proposal for a conference championship game in Atlanta had the Bills won.

From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2023

I laugh as Britain flips Golly off while Golly smiles smugly, and then I take a seat in the La-Z-Boy, and we descend into an awkward silence.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone