self-congratulatory

Definition of self-congratulatorynext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of self-congratulatory Don’t be swayed by the self-congratulatory rhetoric. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026 His novel about the war, For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), was a piece of self-congratulatory nonsense that made millions. Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Sacrifice captures the tenor of these high-end charity events that are attended by the famous and ultra-wealthy, and have a tendency to land somewhere between tone-deaf to hopelessly self-congratulatory. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025 These are all good reasons to feel bummed out about humanity, but leave it to Lanthimos to express his dismay in the most arch and self-congratulatory way possible. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-congratulatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-congratulatory
Adjective
  • Because when volume is understood and mastered, there is no outfit that doesn’t look self-assured.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2026
  • In several episodes, viewers see participants acting decisively and self-assured in private conversations, only to show up to the roundtable and completely change their thinking.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ireland gained swagger and became a self-confident place that could show the world.
    Llewellyn King, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Research shows that only children tend to be self-confident, well-organized, and ambitious.
    Cynthia Hanson, Parents, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And it could be accelerated by the continued rise of angry, resentful, self-glorifying nationalism in many countries.
    Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2022
Adjective
  • Bader felt confident in creating a collection that would cater to Show Me Your Mumu's shoppers as well as her followers.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Just being more confident in my choice of what is funny and what’s not.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Should Booker have been more selfish?
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Over the years, fans have on social media have called out Nate’s selfish behavior in his relationship with Andy, seemingly upset with her for pursuing a career in fashion.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Critics call social media posts self-promotion While the president praised her as a fighter, critics called out her self-promoting social media use, including videos showing her in tactical gear at raids with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The characters were mostly comic, from shamelessly self-promoting wannabe pop star Scheana Shay to vain rock frontman Tom Sandoval.
    Judy Berman, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Grace is a molecular biologist by training, but his controversial ideas and overconfident attitude have kept him out of academia.
    Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The four leads are overconfident and loutish, spending their time drinking, rambling, and clumsily working through their worries about the future.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And Chapman booked the role of his wife, Stacy’s younger and most self-centered daughter Paige.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Travel ball is very self-centered.
    Eric Sondheimer Columnist Follow, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-congratulatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-congratulatory. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster