adjective

smug

/smʌɡ/ · say it: smuhg

offensively self-satisfied

In more detail

1. (adjective) feeling or showing too much satisfaction with yourself or your achievements, in a way that annoys other people

Examples

He had a smug smile on his face after winning the competition.

How to use smug

Smug describes a negative attitude of excessive self-contentment that is visible to and irritating to others. It emphasizes annoying visibility of satisfaction rather than mere confidence or pride. The word often carries moral judgment, suggesting the person's self-satisfaction is unwarranted or offensively displayed.

Common phrases

smug expression
smug smile
smug tone
look smug
feel smug

Synonyms

self-satisfied · complacent · conceited · self-congratulatory · arrogant

Opposites

humble · modest · unsure

Word family

smugly (adverb) · smugness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use smug as a neutral descriptor of confidence or satisfaction, but it is inherently critical and derogatory—no one wants to be called smug.

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