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.

The smugness, arrogance and hubris in this city is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

That will also have contained a large dose of smugness towards the Leeds fans, who had been throwing insults towards him during the game, according to the Spaniard.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

He championed conquest in the world of retail, irked by industry smugness that dismissed a Seattle-based retailer.

From Seattle Times • May 18, 2024

To judge by his body of work, he’s not particularly smart, or funny, or insightful; he evinces the milky smugness of the bully’s dumb henchman in some lame 1980s slobs-vs.-snobs comedy.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2023

He stood near the pennant pole, looking piglike in his smugness.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss